Question

Consider the following statements: Before Elective Operation ECG may evaluate
1. heart rate
2. atrial fibrillations
3. heart-block
4. recent myocardial infarction
Which of these statements are correct?

• A. 1, 2 and 4
• B. 2, 3 and 4
• C. 1 and 3
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Hint:

Check whether each finding, rate, rhythm, conduction, and infarction, shows up on a standard ECG trace.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to work out which of the four listed things a routine ECG done before an elective operation can actually pick up.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
A preoperative ECG is a simple tracing of the heart's electrical activity. It is used to screen for problems that could make anaesthesia and surgery risky, so we check whether each listed finding shows up on a standard ECG.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Heart rate is read directly off the ECG by counting the beats over a fixed time, so an ECG easily evaluates heart rate.
Atrial fibrillation has a very recognisable pattern on ECG, an irregularly irregular rhythm with no clear P waves, so it is picked up on a preoperative ECG too.
Heart block, whether it is a delay or a complete break in the electrical signal between the atria and the ventricles, shows up as a lengthened or dropped PR interval or a mismatch between P waves and QRS complexes, so an ECG evaluates this as well.
A recent myocardial infarction leaves a signature on the ECG, such as ST segment changes, T wave inversion, or new Q waves, so a preoperative ECG can also flag a recent heart attack, which matters a great deal before giving anaesthesia.
Since heart rate, atrial fibrillation, heart block, and recent myocardial infarction can all be picked up on a routine ECG, none of the four should be left out.

Step 4: Final Answer:
So, before an elective operation, an ECG may evaluate heart rate, atrial fibrillation, heart block, and recent myocardial infarction, meaning all four statements, 1, 2, 3 and 4, are correct.