To obtain an atrial electrogram from a patient post cardiac surgery, which connection should be made?

To obtain an atrial electrogram post-cardiac surgery, it is essential to connect the atrial pacing wire correctly to capture accurate electrical activity from the atria. Connecting the atrial pacing wire to the chest lead on the monitor cable allows for direct monitoring of atrial electrical signals. The chest lead is designed to pick up these signals effectively, as it is positioned closer to the heart and provides better access to the atrial electrical activity which is crucial for monitoring and assessing the patient's cardiac function after surgery.

This method of connection ensures that the atrial electrogram can be accurately displayed on the monitoring system, allowing healthcare providers to assess the atrial rhythm and identify any potential arrhythmias or issues that may arise in the postoperative setting. Effectively monitoring this electrical activity is critical for managing patient care following cardiac surgery.