<prompt> All of the following are features of Premature Ventricular Complexes, ExceptWide QRS complexAbsent P waveComplete compensatory pauseProlonged PR interval  <response>: Answer is D Prolonged PR interval PR interval does not characterize Ventricular Premature complexes because AV conduction is not involved. Wide QRS complex, Absent P wave and a frequently Complete Compensatory Pause are all characteristic features of Premature ventricular complexes. The basic ECG characteristics of PVCs include the following: Rate The underlying sinus rate is usually regular but is intermittently interrupted by the PVC. This results in an irregular and fluctuating hea rate. Rhythm , The basic R-R interval is regular but is intemittently interrupted by the PVC. The R-R interval preceding the PVC is sho due to the prematurity of the QRS complex and often the R-R interval after the PVC is longer due to a compenstory pause Fig.2 P wave The premature QRS complex is not preceded by a conducted P wave although in ceain instances the PVC may coincidentally be preceded by a nonconducted sinus P wave PR interval Not applicable because atrioventricular AV conduction is not involved. QRS complex QRS complex is premature 2 QRS complex is prolonged 0.12 secondse QRS complex is bizzare or distoed notchede QRS complex is not proceeded by a P wave e QRS complex is frequently allowed by a complete compensatory pause e ST segment and T The ST segment and T wave slope in the opposite direction from the main deflection of ORS wave complex Note : A V dissociation with capture beats and fusion beats are diagnostic criteria for ventricular tachycardia VT and not for PVCs. However, VT is defined by the presence of three or more consecutive PVC and hence AV dissociation, capture beats and fusion beats may be said to be occasionally present in PVCs when they occur in consecutive bests. 