What characterizes a bundle branch block?

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Multiple Choice

What characterizes a bundle branch block?

Explanation:
A bundle branch block is defined by delayed or blocked conduction in one of the heart’s ventricular pathways, causing the ventricles to depolarize more slowly and asynchronously. This shows up as a widened QRS complex, specifically 0.12 seconds (120 ms) or longer. That broad, abnormal QRS is the hallmark that sets BBB apart from normal conduction. The other options don’t describe this pattern: a narrow QRS suggests normal conduction or rapid antegrade conduction without block; absent P waves point to atrial rhythm issues rather than a ventricular conduction delay; and ST-segment elevation indicates acute injury, not a conduction delay.

A bundle branch block is defined by delayed or blocked conduction in one of the heart’s ventricular pathways, causing the ventricles to depolarize more slowly and asynchronously. This shows up as a widened QRS complex, specifically 0.12 seconds (120 ms) or longer. That broad, abnormal QRS is the hallmark that sets BBB apart from normal conduction. The other options don’t describe this pattern: a narrow QRS suggests normal conduction or rapid antegrade conduction without block; absent P waves point to atrial rhythm issues rather than a ventricular conduction delay; and ST-segment elevation indicates acute injury, not a conduction delay.

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