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Question 19M.3.SL.TZ1.c.i

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ1.c.i
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ1
Command term Compare and contrast Question number c.i Adapted from N/A
c.i.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.3.SL.TZ1.c.i

Vitamin D deficiency can cause low blood calcium concentrations (hypocalcemia). Very low blood calcium can have an impact on heart function. The first ECG is for a patient with normal blood calcium concentrations. The second ECG is for a patient who has very low blood calcium concentrations.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2019]

Compare and contrast the two ECG traces.

[2]

Markscheme

compare:
a. no difference in the P wave/QRS wave
OR
both traces have all 4 waves/PQRST ✔

contrast:
b. delayed T wave
OR
T wave is shorter/higher in hypocalcemia ✔

Allow reference to events in the cardiac cycle for mpa or mpb

Allow converse statements for mpb.

Examiners report

A difference between the traces was more often seen than a similarity, although many candidates gained the two marks.

Syllabus sections