At what speed does paper run for time measurement in an EKG?

The correct speed for paper run during time measurement in an EKG is 25mm/second. This speed is a standard rate used in most electrocardiography machines for accurate representation of the heart's electrical activity over time.

When the paper runs at 25mm/second, each small square on the EKG paper, which measures 1mm, represents 0.04 seconds, and each larger square, made up of five small squares, represents 0.2 seconds. This level of detail allows healthcare providers to accurately assess the heart's rhythm and rate, as well as identify any abnormalities in the electrical conduction of the heart.

Using a speed of 12mm/second, for instance, would provide a less detailed view, potentially making it difficult to analyze rapid heart rhythms. Similarly, speeds of 20mm/second or higher might excessively compress the data, making interpretation more challenging and affecting clinical decisions. Thus, the 25mm/second speed strikes a balance by providing clear, interpretable results for effective patient diagnosis and monitoring.