Which of the following applies to premature ventricular complexes (PVCs)?

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are characterized by a wide and abnormal QRS complex. This is due to the fact that PVCs originate from the ventricles, bypassing the normal conduction pathway through the atria and the His-Purkinje system, which results in a QRS complex that is wider than 0.12 seconds and has an unusual morphology.

PVCs can occur in healthy individuals as well as those with heart conditions, and they can be triggered by various factors such as stress, caffeine, or underlying heart disease. Since they arise from the ventricles, the conduction is not efficient, contributing to the wide appearance on the EKG.

In contrast to the other responses, the characteristics of PVCs are not consistent with a narrow QRS complex, which would suggest a different conduction pathway possibly involving atrial origins. Additionally, PVCs can occur at any time, not just during sleep, and they do not always present with symptoms; many individuals experience PVCs without any noticeable signs.