When diagnosing an MI on a 12-lead ECG, the nurse knows that the reciprocal leads may: Select all that apply

Question

1. Reflect a mirror image of the changes or damage seen in the indicative leads.
2. Be a sign of ischemia in that area.
3. Indicate there is no ischemia in that area.
4. Reflect the same ST segment elevation seen in the indicative leads.
5. Indicate heart failure.

Answer 1

1. Reflect a mirror image of the changes or damage seen in the indicative leads.
2. Be a sign of ischemia in that area.

Rationale: Reflect a mirror image of the changes or damage seen in the indicative leads. Reciprocal (electrically opposite) leads are distant from the injury and reflect an upside-down, mirror image of the changes or damage seen in the indicative leads. Be a sign of ischemia in that area. These reciprocal changes can also be a sign of ischemia in that area—it doesn't have to be a reciprocal change. Indicates there is no ischemia in that area. Anytime there is a ST segment change, it indicates some level of ischemia. Reflect the same ST segment elevation seen in the indicative leads. Reciprocal leads reflect the opposite ST segment changes as the indicative leads. Indicate heart failure. ST segment changes are not specifically indicative of heart failure.