ECG Rhythm Interpretation Flashcards
7 cards from real CCI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 ECG Rhythm Interpretation flashcards as text
A rhythm strip shows irregularly irregular narrow QRS complexes with no discernible P waves and a wavy baseline. What is the diagnosis?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation produces an irregularly irregular ventricular response, absent organized P waves, and a fibrillatory baseline.
What is the normal duration of the QRS complex in adults?
Answer: 0.06–0.10 seconds
A normal QRS complex measures 0.06–0.10 seconds (60–100 ms); a duration ≥0.12 seconds is considered abnormally wide.
Which lead is best used to identify P wave morphology and distinguish atrial rhythms?
Answer: Lead II
Lead II is parallel to the normal P wave vector, making P waves most upright and prominent, ideal for rhythm analysis.
A patient's ECG shows a rhythm at 40 bpm with wide QRS complexes and no associated P waves. What rhythm is this?
Answer: Idioventricular rhythm
An idioventricular (ventricular escape) rhythm originates in the ventricles at 20–40 bpm with wide, bizarre QRS complexes and no P wave relationship.
Torsades de pointes is most commonly associated with which ECG finding?
Answer: Prolonged QT interval
Torsades de pointes is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that occurs in the setting of a prolonged QT interval, which predisposes to triggered activity.
In a patient with right bundle branch block (RBBB), which lead typically shows the classic RSR' (rabbit ears) pattern?
Answer: V1
RBBB produces a wide QRS with a characteristic RSR' (M-shaped or 'rabbit ear') pattern in lead V1 due to delayed right ventricular activation.
What is the maximum allowable QTc interval considered normal in women?
Answer: ≤460 ms
A corrected QT interval (QTc) >460 ms in women is considered prolonged; women have a naturally longer QTc than men (men: >440 ms).