These assessments, offered in a format providing a number of reply choices from which to pick essentially the most correct, are designed to guage understanding of electrocardiogram ideas. The questions steadily cowl matters corresponding to waveform identification, rhythm evaluation, and the scientific implications of varied cardiac abnormalities as mirrored on an EKG. As an illustration, a query might ask the examinee to determine a selected arrhythmia primarily based on a offered EKG tracing and a number of potential diagnoses.
The worth of this technique lies in its means to supply a structured and standardized technique of gauging competency in EKG interpretation. Healthcare professionals, together with medical college students, nurses, and physicians, make the most of these instruments to strengthen their data, determine areas needing additional research, and put together for certification examinations. Traditionally, such evaluations have been a cornerstone of medical schooling, evolving from primarily essay-based codecs to incorporate the extra environment friendly and goal selection-based query construction.
This method provides a flexible methodology for self-assessment or institutional analysis. Subsequent sections will element efficient methods for using such instruments, talk about frequent material lined, and discover sources obtainable for these searching for to reinforce their abilities on this space.
1. Waveform Recognition
The power to precisely determine particular waveforms is a basic part of profitable efficiency on assessments. Every waveform represents a definite part of the cardiac cycle. Errors in recognition instantly affect the flexibility to accurately interpret cardiac rhythm and determine abnormalities. A misunderstanding of P-wave morphology, for example, will result in an inaccurate prognosis of atrial arrhythmias. Moreover, misidentification of QRS complicated configurations will impede right evaluation of ventricular conduction and the detection of ventricular hypertrophy or infarction patterns. Such incorrect interpretations have severe scientific implications.
Follow questions steadily make use of waveform variations as a method to evaluate understanding. Pattern questions might current delicate adjustments in T-wave morphology, requiring the test-taker to distinguish between regular variants, ischemia, and hyperkalemia. Likewise, situations involving ST-segment elevation or despair necessitate the flexibility to discern acute myocardial harm from different circumstances, corresponding to pericarditis or early repolarization. Accurately answering requires a stable grasp of the traits of every waveform section and interval, and the flexibility to acknowledge delicate deviations from the norm.
Finally, experience in waveform recognition interprets to improved scientific decision-making. Profitable navigation of questions reinforces the hyperlink between waveform traits and underlying cardiac physiology. Lack of proficiency not solely results in errors on these assessments, but additionally doubtlessly compromise affected person care by contributing to misdiagnosis or delayed therapy.
2. Rhythm Interpretation
Rhythm interpretation, the systematic evaluation of the center’s electrical exercise over time, is a central talent assessed. Competence on this space is essential for correct diagnoses and acceptable scientific interventions. These assessments steadily make use of rhythm strips to guage this proficiency.
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Sinus Rhythms vs. Arrhythmias
Questions generally require differentiating regular sinus rhythm from varied arrhythmias. Examiners should determine key traits like coronary heart charge, regularity, P-wave morphology, and the connection between P waves and QRS complexes. Medical situations typically embed these rhythm strips to simulate real-world diagnostic challenges, requiring understanding of underlying mechanisms and potential affected person outcomes. An instance can be distinguishing sinus tachycardia from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which necessitate completely different administration approaches.
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Atrial Arrhythmias
Figuring out atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and different atrial arrhythmias is a key testing level. These assessments check not solely recognition of the irregular R-R intervals in atrial fibrillation or the sawtooth sample in atrial flutter, but additionally understanding of their scientific significance and the necessity for anticoagulation. Such checks are necessary as the inaccurate prognosis of those circumstances and potential medical malpractice.
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Ventricular Arrhythmias
Questions check the popularity of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The power to tell apart these from benign untimely ventricular contractions (PVCs) is essential. Examples typically embrace vast complicated tachycardias, the place the participant should decide if the rhythm is ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy. Failure to accurately determine ventricular tachycardia may end up in insufficient therapy and affected person hurt.
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Conduction Blocks
First-degree, second-degree (Mobitz kind I and II), and third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks are generally assessed. The analysis focuses on figuring out the PR interval prolongation in first-degree block, the progressive PR interval prolongation with dropped beats in Mobitz kind I, and the constant PR interval with non-conducted P waves in Mobitz kind II and full coronary heart block. Medical situations may contain sufferers with syncope or bradycardia, requiring the test-taker to hyperlink EKG findings to potential administration methods like pacemaker insertion.
These check elements exhibit the intricate relationship between rhythm interpretation and scientific decision-making. Success requires not simply sample recognition, but additionally the flexibility to combine EKG findings with scientific context. Efficient observe with the check format improves diagnostic abilities and contributes to raised affected person outcomes.
3. Interval Measurement
Interval measurement varieties a essential part of assessments. Correct measurement of PR, QRS, and QT intervals facilitates right interpretation, considerably impacting diagnostic accuracy. Questions instantly assess the flexibility to measure these intervals, typically presenting rhythm strips with various coronary heart charges and delicate waveform abnormalities. Improper evaluation of the PR interval, for example, can result in missed diagnoses of first-degree AV block or pre-excitation syndromes. Likewise, inaccurate QRS length measurements can obscure bundle department blocks or ventricular rhythms. The QT interval, when measured incorrectly, dangers misdiagnosis of lengthy QT syndrome, a doubtlessly deadly situation. Evaluation gadgets often require measuring intervals at completely different factors within the tracing, reflecting the dynamic nature of cardiac conduction.
The sensible significance of understanding interval measurement extends past merely answering check questions. In scientific observe, exact interval evaluation guides therapy choices. An instance is the usage of the corrected QT interval (QTc) to evaluate the chance of torsades de pointes in sufferers receiving sure medicines. Overestimation or underestimation of the QTc can result in inappropriate drug prescriptions or pointless discontinuation of useful medicines. Moreover, monitoring the QRS length throughout cardiac resynchronization remedy (CRT) optimization depends on correct measurement to attain maximal hemodynamic profit. These scientific contexts underscore the important nature of meticulous interval measurement.
Mastery of interval measurement presents a problem, requiring not solely data of regular ranges but additionally the flexibility to account for elements corresponding to coronary heart charge and lead placement. An intensive understanding of the underlying physiology of cardiac conduction, coupled with constant observe in measurement strategies, is important. Whereas assessments function a method of analysis, additionally they reinforce the significance of precision in scientific observe, finally contributing to improved affected person care. Incorrect interval measurements can have cascade results on prognosis and therapies and so it turns into a possible medical malpractise.
4. Axis Deviation
Evaluation typically consists of analysis of axis deviation. This refers back to the course of the center’s general electrical exercise within the frontal aircraft. Proper axis deviation (RAD) and left axis deviation (LAD) symbolize deviations from the traditional axis, indicating potential underlying circumstances. Proper ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary embolism, or left posterior fascicular block may cause RAD. LAD might come up from left ventricular hypertrophy, inferior myocardial infarction, or left anterior fascicular block. Questions within the evaluation format instantly check the flexibility to find out the presence and kind of axis deviation from given tracings.
The importance of axis deviation lies in its diagnostic worth. Recognizing RAD or LAD prompts additional investigation to determine the underlying trigger. Evaluation questions referring to axis deviation usually require the examinee to research the QRS complexes in leads I and aVF to find out the general course of {the electrical} vector. Medical situations typically accompany these questions, integrating axis deviation findings with different EKG abnormalities and affected person historical past. As an example, a affected person presenting with shortness of breath and exhibiting RAD on their ECG may increase suspicion for pulmonary embolism, prompting further diagnostic testing. Equally, a affected person with a historical past of hypertension displaying LAD may warrant additional analysis for left ventricular hypertrophy.
Proficiency in assessing axis deviation is essential for correct interpretation of EKG findings. Assessments focusing on this idea are designed to make sure that healthcare professionals can successfully combine axis deviation evaluation into their diagnostic method. Failing to acknowledge and accurately interpret axis deviation can result in missed diagnoses or delayed therapy, underscoring the significance of mastering this talent. The evaluation not solely checks theoretical data but additionally reinforces its sensible software in managing sufferers with varied cardiovascular circumstances.
5. Ischemia Identification
Electrocardiogram interpretation hinges on the flexibility to determine patterns indicative of myocardial ischemia. These evaluations are strategically designed to evaluate this significant talent, simulating the diagnostic challenges encountered in scientific observe.
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ST-Phase Adjustments
ST-segment elevation or despair is a main indicator of ischemia. Assessments generally current tracings with various levels of ST-segment deviation, requiring the participant to distinguish between STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction), NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction), and secure angina. The questions typically embrace situations involving reciprocal adjustments in opposing leads, additional difficult the examinee’s understanding. Failure to acknowledge delicate ST-segment adjustments on these evaluation gadgets can have grave scientific penalties.
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T-Wave Abnormalities
T-wave inversions or hyperacute T-waves also can sign ischemia. The assessments consider the flexibility to tell apart between symmetrical T-wave inversions seen in ischemia and asymmetrical T-wave inversions seen in different circumstances. Eventualities might embrace sufferers with chest ache and a historical past of prior myocardial infarction, the place the differentiation between previous and new ischemic adjustments is essential. Misinterpretation of T-wave adjustments throughout analysis ends in incorrect responses, and signifies a lack of expertise concerning diagnostic standards.
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Location of Ischemia
The assessments consider the flexibility to localize the ischemic space primarily based on the leads exhibiting ST-segment and T-wave adjustments. That is a necessary facet of prognosis, because it permits clinicians to find out the affected coronary artery. Questions often embrace situations the place examinees should determine anterior, inferior, lateral, or septal ischemia primarily based on the EKG findings. The lack to precisely determine the placement of ischemia impairs the diagnostic means of EKG and results in flawed therapy.
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Dynamic Adjustments
Ischemic adjustments are sometimes dynamic, evolving over time. Some check situations incorporate serial EKG tracings to evaluate the examinee’s means to trace the development or decision of ischemic adjustments. This mimics the real-world scientific setting the place repeated EKGs are sometimes obtained to observe sufferers with acute coronary syndromes. Appropriate recognition of those dynamic shifts allows immediate and efficient scientific administration, instantly lowering affected person morbidity and mortality.
The elements exhibit that efficient evaluation on this space goes past rote memorization. Success hinges on a radical understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia, the flexibility to acknowledge delicate EKG adjustments, and the capability to combine these findings with scientific context. Skillful navigation of such evaluations enhances diagnostic acumen and instantly interprets to improved affected person outcomes.
6. Infarction Patterns
The correct identification of infarction patterns constitutes a essential part assessed by way of the methodology described by the key phrase phrase. Myocardial infarction, characterised by mobile necrosis ensuing from extended ischemia, produces particular, recognizable alterations on an EKG. These alterations, together with Q-wave formation, ST-segment elevation, and T-wave inversion, manifest in predictable patterns dependent upon the placement and extent of the infarct. Questions inside a selection-based evaluation format will generally current EKG tracings exhibiting these patterns, requiring the examinee to pick essentially the most correct prognosis or determine the affected area of the myocardium. For instance, the presence of Q waves and ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF is indicative of an inferior wall myocardial infarction. Appropriate interpretation of those patterns is paramount for well timed and acceptable scientific administration, together with reperfusion remedy.
The sensible significance of mastering infarction sample recognition extends on to improved affected person outcomes. A delay in prognosis or misidentification of the infarct location can result in delayed or inappropriate interventions, growing the chance of antagonistic occasions. Particularly, the inaccurate evaluation of proper ventricular involvement in an inferior wall myocardial infarction can result in inappropriate nitrate administration, doubtlessly inflicting profound hypotension. Such assessments, subsequently, goal to guage and reinforce the talents essential to mitigate these dangers. Profitable navigation of the evaluation requires not solely sample recognition but additionally a radical understanding of cardiac anatomy, electrophysiology, and the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes.
In abstract, the capability to precisely determine infarction patterns is a basic competency evaluated utilizing the strategies detailed on this article. The evaluation format gives a structured and standardized technique of gauging this competency, figuring out areas needing additional research, and finally, enhancing the standard of affected person care. Mastering the ideas surrounding infarction patterns proves essential for the healthcare professionals as a possible medical malpractice, resulting in legal responsibility claims, authorized motion, or regulatory sanctions.
7. Electrolyte Imbalances
Electrolyte imbalances considerably affect cardiac electrophysiology, rendering their recognition on an EKG essential. Assessments designed to guage EKG interpretation abilities steadily incorporate questions that require the identification of adjustments associated to aberrant electrolyte ranges. Understanding these patterns is significant for healthcare professionals.
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Potassium Imbalances
Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) and hypokalemia (decreased potassium) exert distinct results on the EKG. Hyperkalemia can manifest as peaked T waves, extended PR interval, widened QRS complicated, and eventual lack of P waves, doubtlessly progressing to a sine wave sample. Hypokalemia might current with flattened T waves, distinguished U waves, and ST-segment despair. Assessments embrace situations requiring differentiation between these patterns and different circumstances, emphasizing the necessity for immediate recognition because of the life-threatening potential of extreme potassium derangements.
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Calcium Imbalances
Calcium ranges affect the length of the QT interval. Hypercalcemia shortens the QT interval, whereas hypocalcemia prolongs it. Assessments may function rhythm strips with altered QT intervals, necessitating consideration of calcium ranges within the differential prognosis. Questions can also embrace scientific vignettes the place sufferers current with signs suggestive of calcium imbalances, integrating the EKG findings with scientific context.
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Magnesium Imbalances
Hypomagnesemia can predispose to cardiac arrhythmias, together with torsades de pointes, significantly within the presence of QT prolongation. Whereas magnesium imbalances don’t all the time have particular EKG adjustments, its presence in circumstances with irregular QT intervals makes it important to recognise. The assessments typically require check takers to take magnesium ranges into consideration of their determination making.
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Medical Integration
Assessments generally combine electrolyte imbalances with different cardiac circumstances. Eventualities might current sufferers with myocardial infarction and concurrent hypokalemia, requiring the examinee to prioritize electrolyte correction alongside therapy of the acute coronary syndrome. Questions assess not solely the popularity of EKG adjustments but additionally the understanding of acceptable administration methods, reinforcing the significance of a holistic method to affected person care.
The incorporation of electrolyte imbalance situations into evaluation codecs highlights their significance in complete EKG interpretation. Correct identification and administration of those derangements instantly affect affected person outcomes, emphasizing the necessity for healthcare professionals to own a powerful understanding of their EKG manifestations.
8. Treatment Results
The affect of varied pharmaceutical brokers on cardiac electrophysiology necessitates a radical understanding of medication-induced electrocardiogram (EKG) adjustments. Assessments evaluating EKG interpretation abilities steadily embrace questions designed to gauge the examinee’s proficiency in recognizing these alterations.
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QT Interval Prolongation
Quite a few medicines, together with antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, and sure antibiotics, extend the QT interval, growing the chance of torsades de pointes, a doubtlessly deadly ventricular arrhythmia. Evaluation gadgets often current rhythm strips with extended QT intervals, requiring the test-taker to determine potential offender medicines from a offered checklist. The understanding of drug-induced QT prolongation is significant to secure scientific observe.
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Digoxin Impact
Digoxin, a drugs used within the therapy of coronary heart failure and atrial fibrillation, produces attribute EKG adjustments, together with ST-segment despair (typically described as a “scooped” look), T-wave flattening or inversion, and shortened QT interval. Questions assess the flexibility to distinguish these adjustments from these attributable to ischemia or different circumstances. Instances might present scientific contexts like nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
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Antiarrhythmic Results
Antiarrhythmic medicine, used to deal with irregular coronary heart rhythms, can paradoxically trigger proarrhythmia, manifested as new or worsened arrhythmias. Assessments check the understanding of EKG adjustments related to particular antiarrhythmics, corresponding to QRS widening with sodium channel blockers or QT prolongation with potassium channel blockers. The check taker should determine the potential reason behind proarrhythmia by means of data of the scientific context of the particular remedy.
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Beta-Blocker Results
Beta-adrenergic blocking brokers sluggish the center charge and may extend the PR interval. Evaluation might require figuring out delicate enhance of PR interval or coronary heart charge adjustments in scientific case situations. Differentiating from first-degree AV block requires understanding the scientific context and evaluating the affected person’s latest and former EKGs.
The importance of incorporating remedy results into EKG assessments rests on the necessity for healthcare professionals to acknowledge drug-induced adjustments, differentiate them from different cardiac abnormalities, and handle them appropriately. Mastery of this space improves diagnostic accuracy and optimizes affected person care.
9. Conduction Blocks
Conduction blocks, disruptions within the coronary heart’s electrical conduction pathway, are a frequent topic of evaluation throughout the framework outlined by the key phrase phrase. These blocks, starting from delicate delays in conduction to finish interruptions, manifest as distinctive electrocardiogram (EKG) patterns. The understanding of those patterns constitutes a vital competency for healthcare professionals. Assessments incorporating multiple-choice questions focusing on conduction blocks typically current EKG tracings exhibiting particular traits, corresponding to extended PR intervals (first-degree AV block), progressively lengthening PR intervals culminating in a dropped QRS complicated (second-degree AV block, Mobitz kind I), or constant PR intervals with intermittently non-conducted P waves (second-degree AV block, Mobitz kind II). A whole lack of relationship between P waves and QRS complexes signifies a third-degree, or full, coronary heart block.
Actual-world examples abound within the scientific setting. A affected person presenting with syncope might exhibit a third-degree AV block on their EKG, prompting rapid intervention corresponding to momentary pacing. A affected person on digoxin, a drugs that may sluggish AV nodal conduction, may develop a first-degree AV block, requiring dosage adjustment or various remedy issues. Assessments utilizing multiple-choice questions referring to conduction blocks require examinees not solely to determine the block kind but additionally to grasp its potential causes, scientific significance, and acceptable administration methods. Due to this fact, efficient answering requires sturdy analytical abilities and skill to implement acceptable medical protocols.
In conclusion, assessments using multiple-choice codecs are designed to guage proficiency in figuring out and decoding conduction blocks on EKGs. Mastery of this talent shouldn’t be merely an instructional train however a essential ingredient in offering competent affected person care, doubtlessly avoiding life-threatening outcomes. The problem lies in integrating sample recognition with scientific context to make knowledgeable choices, a talent honed by means of devoted research and sensible software.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning electrocardiogram (EKG) evaluation utilizing a multiple-choice format. The aim is to supply readability and steering on successfully using these sources for talent enhancement.
Query 1: What particular data domains are usually assessed?
The questions consider proficiency in waveform recognition, rhythm interpretation, interval measurement, axis dedication, identification of ischemic adjustments, and recognition of the consequences of electrolyte imbalances and medicines on EKG tracings. Medical situations might combine these ideas, demanding a holistic understanding.
Query 2: How does the multiple-choice format improve studying?
This format gives structured alternatives for self-assessment and reinforces data by means of rapid suggestions. It promotes essential pondering by requiring examinees to distinguish between believable, but incorrect, reply selections.
Query 3: What methods optimize preparation for the check?
A complete assessment of EKG ideas, specializing in the areas talked about above, is important. Lively participation in mock examinations and the evaluation of quite a few EKG tracings are additionally really useful. Consulting textbooks, on-line sources, and knowledgeable opinions can complement studying.
Query 4: Are these evaluations indicative of real-world scientific efficiency?
Whereas these assessments simulate scientific decision-making, they symbolize a simplified model of precise observe. Expertise in decoding EKGs within the context of affected person historical past and bodily examination is essential for creating scientific competence.
Query 5: What’s the acceptable passing rating on the evaluation?
The passing rating varies relying on the aim and supply of the analysis. Institutional assessments might have completely different standards than these used for skilled certification. At all times seek the advice of the particular pointers for the related examination.
Query 6: The place can dependable sources for such evaluation be discovered?
Respected sources embrace medical textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, skilled organizations, and established on-line studying platforms. Train warning when using free, unverified sources. Please discuss with a certified medical practitioner earlier than administering any process primarily based on the content material offered.
These assessments function precious instruments for evaluating and enhancing EKG interpretation abilities. Diligent preparation and steady observe are important for mastering this essential scientific competency.
The subsequent article part will additional discover sensible purposes of those assessments in varied healthcare settings.
Methods for Success
These methods goal to enhance efficiency and comprehension inside this studying methodology.
Tip 1: Grasp the Fundamentals: Strong comprehension of electrophysiology is important. Grasp the origin and propagation {of electrical} alerts throughout the coronary heart earlier than addressing complicated arrhythmia evaluation. Perceive the traditional waveforms, intervals, and segments earlier than progressing to irregular patterns.
Tip 2: Prioritize Waveform Recognition: Correct evaluation hinges on waveform proficiency. Focus on figuring out P waves, QRS complexes, T waves, and U waves. Notice their morphologies, amplitudes, and durations. Familiarity with frequent variations will improve diagnostic talent.
Tip 3: Systematically Analyze Rhythm Strips: Undertake a standardized methodology for rhythm interpretation. Assess the center charge, regularity, P-wave presence and morphology, PR interval, QRS length, and QT interval. This methodical method reduces errors and ensures thoroughness.
Tip 4: Combine Medical Context: EKG findings should be interpreted along with affected person historical past and bodily examination. Correlate EKG abnormalities with scientific indicators and signs to refine diagnostic accuracy. Medical integration separates efficient from flawed interpretations.
Tip 5: Diligently Evaluate Follow Questions: Have interaction in frequent assessment classes. Determine areas of weak spot and focus on reinforcing poor data. Analyze the rationales for proper and incorrect solutions to deepen comprehension.
Tip 6: Make the most of Various Sources: Seek the advice of respected medical textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, and on-line studying platforms. Complement studying with interactive simulations and case research. A multi-faceted method enhances understanding and retention.
Tip 7: Search Skilled Steering: Have interaction with skilled clinicians and electrophysiologists. Solicit suggestions on EKG interpretations and search clarification on difficult ideas. Skilled mentorship gives precious insights and refines diagnostic abilities.
Making use of these suggestions contributes to enhanced diagnostic functionality and strengthens abilities in EKG interpretation, resulting in improved scientific outcomes.
The next part will element the advantages of ongoing self-assessment in sustaining proficiency on this space.
Conclusion
“ekg observe check a number of alternative” constitutes a precious instrument for assessing and refining electrocardiogram interpretation abilities. The previous sections have explored its utility in evaluating waveform recognition, rhythm interpretation, and the identification of ischemic adjustments, amongst different essential competencies. This system gives a structured framework for gauging data and figuring out areas requiring additional research, finally contributing to enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
Mastery of electrocardiogram interpretation calls for steady studying and diligent self-assessment. The constant utilization of “ekg observe check a number of alternative,” mixed with sensible scientific expertise, stays important for sustaining proficiency and guaranteeing optimum affected person care. Healthcare professionals should prioritize ongoing skilled improvement to successfully deal with the evolving challenges in cardiac diagnostics.
