Which statement correctly describes the placement of the V5 electrode?

• A. Left posterior axillary line
• B. Right anterior axillary line
• C. Left anterior axillary line, same level as V4
• D. Right midaxillary line

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that precordial (V) leads are placed across the left chest at specific horizontal levels to sample different regions of the heart. V5 sits at the left anterior axillary line in the same fifth intercostal space as V4. This placement targets the lateral wall of the left ventricle and keeps the V4–V5 leads on the same level so their waveforms can be compared meaningfully.

Choosing a spot on the left posterior axillary line would be used for posterior leads (not standard V leads), and placing the lead on the right side (right anterior or right midaxillary) is incorrect because the standard V leads begin on the left side of the chest.