A nurse is interpreting the ECG strip of a client who has bradycardia. Which of the following cardiac components should the nurse identify as the role of the P wave?

Rationale: A. This is not represented by the P wave. Repolarization of the ventricular conduction system is a component of the later part of the ECG, mainly within the T wave. B. The P wave corresponds to atrial depolarization, which is the electrical activity that triggers atrial contraction. Proper identification of the P wave helps the nurse evaluate rhythm, rate, and atrial conduction. C. Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, not the P wave. This reflects the spread of electrical impulses through the ventricles, leading to ventricular contraction. D. Early repolarization of the ventricles occurs at the beginning of the ST segment and is not associated with the P wave.