NCLEX Question for ability of the heart to initiate an electrical impulse

NCLEX Review Question

Which term is used to describe the ability of the heart to initiate an electrical impulse?

a.Automaticity
b.Contractility
c.Conductivity
d.Excitability

Correct Answer: A
Automaticity
Rationale: Automaticity is the ability of specialized electrical cells of the cardiac conduction system to initiate an electrical impulse.

Contractility
Rationale: Contractility refers to the ability of the specialized electrical cells of the cardiac conduction system to contract in response to an electrical impulse.

Conductivity
Rationale: Conductivity refers to the ability of the specialized electrical cells of the cardiac conduction system to transmit an electrical impulse from one cell to another.

Excitability
Rationale: Excitability refers to the ability of the specialized electrical cells of the cardiac conduction system to respond to an electrical impulse.

Posted in: MSN NCLEX