CCT Ambulatory (Holter) Monitoring 2

Question 1

A patient wearing a Holter monitor reports palpitations at 2:15 PM. What is the most important action by the technician?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the patient to press the event marker button

Answer

The event marker allows the patient to mark the exact time of symptoms so the cardiologist can correlate the rhythm strip with symptoms reported in the diary.

Question 2

Which electrode placement is used for the CM5 lead in Holter monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Positive electrode at V5 position, negative at manubrium

Answer

CM5 (Chest-Manubrium lead 5) places the positive electrode at the V5 position on the chest and the negative electrode at the manubrium, which is optimal for detecting ischemic ST changes.

Question 3

During Holter monitor hookup, a technician notices the patient has a hairy chest. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Shave only the small areas where electrodes will be placed

Answer

Shaving only the small electrode placement sites ensures good skin contact and reduces artifact while minimizing patient discomfort and unnecessary hair removal.

Question 4

A 24-hour Holter recording reveals 847 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Which characteristic would make this finding most concerning?

Accepted Answer

PVCs occurring in runs of 3 or more (non-sustained VT)

Answer

Runs of 3 or more consecutive PVCs constitute non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, which is a much more concerning finding associated with higher risk for sustained VT or sudden cardiac death.

Question 5

Which statement best describes the difference between a 24-hour Holter monitor and an event monitor?

Accepted Answer

A Holter records continuously for 24-48 hours; an event monitor records only when activated or triggered

Answer

Holter monitors record continuously for the entire wearing period (24-48 hours), while event monitors (loop recorders) store recordings only when the patient activates them or when an automatic trigger detects an abnormal rhythm.

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT Ambulatory (Holter) Monitoring 2