Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice exam

A flattened T wave is typically indicative of possible ischemia or electrolyte imbalances. The T wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the repolarization of the ventricles. When this wave is flattened, it can suggest that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen (ischemia) or that there are imbalances in essential electrolytes such as potassium and calcium, which are crucial for normal cardiac function.

In the context of ischemia, the altered T wave can be a sign that the myocardial tissue is experiencing stress or damage due to insufficient blood flow. Similarly, electrolyte disturbances can affect the repolarization process, leading to changes in the T wave appearance.

Understanding the implications of a flattened T wave is essential for clinicians as it can prompt further investigation into the patient’s condition, including assessments of potential heart abnormalities or laboratory tests to check electrolyte levels.

The other options suggest different cardiovascular conditions that are not specifically associated with a flattened T wave. For instance, a possible myocardial infarction might present with significant changes in the ST segment and the T wave; bradycardia is identified by heart rate measurements; and normal electrical activity would typically show a well-formed T wave without flattening.