Practice Test Geeks(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test
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Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation & ECG Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real CCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which ECG finding pattern is most suggestive of acute pericarditis?

    Answer: Diffuse ST elevation in multiple leads with PR segment depression

    Acute pericarditis classically shows diffuse ST elevation in multiple leads (except aVR and V1) accompanied by PR depression, without the reciprocal changes or Q waves seen in STEMI.

  2. What is the clinical significance of a corrected QT interval (QTc) greater than 500 ms?

    Answer: It significantly increases the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death

    A QTc >500 ms represents severe QT prolongation, which greatly increases the risk of triggered torsades de pointes and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

  3. In normal sinus rhythm, in which standard lead is the P wave consistently upright (positive)?

    Answer: Lead II

    In sinus rhythm, the P wave is upright in lead II because atrial depolarization travels inferiorly and to the left from the SA node, aligned with the positive pole of lead II.

  4. What is the characteristic ECG pattern of Mobitz Type II (second-degree AV block)?

    Answer: Constant PR interval with sudden non-conducted P waves (dropped QRS beats)

    Mobitz Type II features a constant PR interval with sudden, unpredictable failure of AV conduction, producing dropped QRS complexes without prior PR lengthening.

  5. Which ECG finding in leads V1–V2 is pathognomonic of a posterior myocardial infarction?

    Answer: Tall broad R waves, ST depression, and upright T waves in V1–V2

    Posterior MI produces reciprocal changes in V1–V2 including tall, broad R waves, horizontal ST depression, and upright T waves—mirror images of the posterior injury current.

  6. Which ECG finding best characterizes an atrial premature complex (APC)?

    Answer: An early beat with an abnormally shaped P wave followed by a normal narrow QRS

    An APC originates from an ectopic atrial focus, producing an abnormal P wave morphology but normal (narrow) QRS conduction since the His-Purkinje system is activated normally.

  7. During an inferior MI (ST elevation in II, III, aVF), what does ST depression in V1–V3 most commonly indicate?

    Answer: Reciprocal changes or posterior wall extension of the infarction

    ST depression in V1–V3 during inferior MI commonly represents either reciprocal changes from the inferior injury vector or posterior wall MI extension, which may require posterior lead placement (V7–V9) to confirm.