Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

The normal QRS complex does not exceed what time on the horizontal axis?

1. 0.12 s

2. 1 s

3. 0.05 s

4. 0.5 s

The correct answer is: 0.12 s

The QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the electrical activity associated with the depolarization of the ventricles. In a healthy individual, the duration of the QRS complex typically ranges from 0.06 to 0.10 seconds. However, in general clinical practice, a QRS duration that exceeds 0.12 seconds is considered abnormal and may indicate conditions such as bundle branch blocks, ventricular rhythms, or other forms of intraventricular conduction delay. An understanding of the normal range is critical for identifying potential cardiac issues. Since the question asks for the maximum duration that is considered normal, 0.12 seconds is the threshold that should not be exceeded. It reflects the upper limit for a healthy electrical conduction pathway through the ventricles, making it a key marker for clinicians when evaluating the cardiac rhythm and function. The other options significantly exceed the normal limit or are too short, rendering them unsuitable as correct answers in this context.