Beat Reading Heart Beat Reading 4

Question 1

Which electrolyte abnormality most commonly causes a wide, flat or inverted T wave and prominent U wave on ECG?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Hypokalemia characteristically causes T wave flattening or inversion and the appearance of prominent U waves on the ECG.

Question 2

On a 6-second rhythm strip with 8 complete R-R cycles visible, the estimated heart rate is:

Accepted Answer

80 bpm

Answer

Counting 8 R waves in 6 seconds and multiplying by 10 gives an estimated rate of 80 bpm.

Question 3

Peaked, narrow, tall T waves are most associated with which electrolyte disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Early hyperkalemia produces tall, peaked, narrow-based T waves, often described as 'tented,' before more severe changes occur.

Question 4

A patient has no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes, each firing at their own independent rate. This describes:

Accepted Answer

Third-degree (complete) AV block

Answer

Third-degree (complete) AV block means the atria and ventricles are electrically dissociated, each driven by separate pacemakers.

Question 5

Which ECG finding is associated with a prolonged QT interval and risk of Torsades de Pointes?

Accepted Answer

Hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia

Answer

Hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia both prolong the QT interval and predispose patients to Torsades de Pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Beat Reading Practice Test