Which lead runs across the bottom of the page in the standard layout?

Which lead runs across the bottom of the page in the standard layout?

• A. Lead II
• B. Lead I
• C. Lead III
• D. Lead aVF

Answer: (A)

In a standard ECG printout, the long rhythm strip at the bottom is typically used for rhythm analysis, and Lead II is the lead most commonly chosen for that strip. Lead II runs from the right arm to the left leg, which aligns well with the heart’s normal electrical axis and tends to produce clear, upright P waves and clearly visible QRS complexes. That makes it easiest to monitor heart rhythm and rate continuously, so the bottom of the page is usually occupied by Lead II. The other limb leads (I, III, and the augmented leads) are arranged in the main grid of the page and aren’t used as the primary bottom rhythm strip.

In a standard ECG printout, the long rhythm strip at the bottom is typically used for rhythm analysis, and Lead II is the lead most commonly chosen for that strip. Lead II runs from the right arm to the left leg, which aligns well with the heart’s normal electrical axis and tends to produce clear, upright P waves and clearly visible QRS complexes. That makes it easiest to monitor heart rhythm and rate continuously, so the bottom of the page is usually occupied by Lead II. The other limb leads (I, III, and the augmented leads) are arranged in the main grid of the page and aren’t used as the primary bottom rhythm strip.