Which lead should not be used to check for significant Q waves during infarction analysis?

Which lead should not be used to check for significant Q waves during infarction analysis?

• A. Lead V1
• B. Lead AVR
• C. Lead II
• D. Lead AVL

Answer: (B)

In analyzing the presence of significant Q waves during infarction, Lead AVR is generally not utilized. This is primarily due to its anatomical positioning and the perspective it provides on the heart's electrical activity. Lead AVR looks at the heart from the right shoulder and primarily captures electrical signals coming from the right side of the heart. Significant Q waves, which can indicate previous myocardial infarction, are most commonly assessed through leads that provide a more direct view of the left anterior and inferior walls of the heart, specifically the chest leads like V1 to V6 and limb leads such as II and AVL, which monitor the left side of the heart.

Using Lead AVR for this purpose may not provide an accurate assessment of significant Q waves because it may not pick up on changes in the left-sided myocardial walls that are more directly involved during most infarctions. Therefore, it is not a reliable lead for this type of analysis.