AAMA AAMA Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Testing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: AC interference on an ECG recording appears as:
- Uniform, rapid spikes at 60 cycles per second (Correct answer)
- Random, irregular baseline movement
- Gradual upward or downward drift of the baseline
- Broad, slurred QRS complexes
Correct answer: Uniform, rapid spikes at 60 cycles per second
AC (alternating current) interference appears as uniform 60-cycle-per-second spikes superimposed on the ECG tracing, caused by nearby electrical equipment.
Question 2: Which position is BEST for a patient during a resting 12-lead ECG?
- Supine (lying flat) (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
- Left lateral recumbent
- Standing
Correct answer: Supine (lying flat)
The patient should lie supine and still to minimize movement artifact and ensure consistent electrode placement and electrical contact.
Question 3: The T wave on an ECG represents:
- Ventricular repolarization (Correct answer)
- Atrial depolarization
- Ventricular depolarization
- Atrial repolarization
Correct answer: Ventricular repolarization
The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, the electrical recovery phase of the ventricles after contraction.
Question 4: Which spirometry measurement represents the maximum amount of air forcefully exhaled after a maximum inhalation?
- Forced vital capacity (FVC) (Correct answer)
- Tidal volume
- Residual volume
- Inspiratory reserve volume
Correct answer: Forced vital capacity (FVC)
Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the total volume of air exhaled as forcefully and completely as possible after a maximum inhalation.
Question 5: Before performing a spirometry test, the patient should be instructed to:
- Avoid smoking for at least 4 hours and bronchodilators as directed (Correct answer)
- Eat a large meal beforehand for energy
- Lie down for 30 minutes before the test
- Drink extra fluids to expand lung capacity
Correct answer: Avoid smoking for at least 4 hours and bronchodilators as directed
Patients should avoid smoking for at least 4 hours before spirometry and withhold bronchodilator medications as directed to ensure accurate baseline measurements.
Question 6: A Holter monitor is used to:
- Record cardiac activity continuously over 24–48 hours (Correct answer)
- Measure blood pressure over 24 hours
- Assess lung function during exercise
- Detect peripheral vascular disease
Correct answer: Record cardiac activity continuously over 24–48 hours
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn by the patient for 24–48 hours to detect intermittent cardiac arrhythmias not captured on a resting ECG.
AAMA AAMA Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Testing 2
AC interference on an ECG recording appears as: