CCBMA Diagnostic Procedures and ECG 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a normal PR interval duration on an ECG?
- 0.06–0.10 seconds
- 0.12–0.20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 0.22–0.30 seconds
- 0.30–0.40 seconds
Correct answer: 0.12–0.20 seconds
A normal PR interval is 0.12–0.20 seconds, representing conduction from the SA node through the AV node.
Question 2: What is the standard paper speed used for recording a 12-lead ECG in the United States?
- 10 mm/sec
- 25 mm/sec (Correct answer)
- 50 mm/sec
- 100 mm/sec
Correct answer: 25 mm/sec
The standard ECG paper speed in the US is 25 mm/sec, making each small square equal to 0.04 seconds.
Question 3: During a Holter monitor patient education session, the MA should instruct the patient to:
- Shower daily to keep electrodes clean
- Keep a diary of activities and symptoms during the recording period (Correct answer)
- Remove the monitor when sleeping
- Avoid all physical activity during monitoring
Correct answer: Keep a diary of activities and symptoms during the recording period
A symptom and activity diary allows the physician to correlate ECG findings with the patient's reported events.
Question 4: Which finding on a rhythm strip would prompt the MA to immediately notify the physician?
- Regular P waves before each QRS
- Absence of P waves with irregular QRS complexes (Correct answer)
- Normal sinus rhythm at 72 bpm
- PR interval of 0.16 seconds
Correct answer: Absence of P waves with irregular QRS complexes
Absence of P waves with irregular QRS may indicate atrial fibrillation or another serious dysrhythmia requiring physician evaluation.
Question 5: Which of the following is used to measure blood oxygen saturation non-invasively?
- Sphygmomanometer
- Pulse oximeter (Correct answer)
- Spirometer
- Glucometer
Correct answer: Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) non-invasively using light absorption through peripheral tissue.
Question 6: During spirometry testing, what instruction should the MA give to the patient before the test?
- Take a small sip of water immediately before blowing
- Avoid using bronchodilators as directed by the physician prior to testing (Correct answer)
- Breathe normally and do not take a deep breath
- Hold their nose during the test to force air through the mouth
Correct answer: Avoid using bronchodilators as directed by the physician prior to testing
Bronchodilators may be withheld before spirometry to obtain baseline measurements unless the physician orders otherwise.
CCBMA Diagnostic Procedures and ECG 2
Which of the following is a normal PR interval duration on an ECG?