Practice Test Geeks(CET) Certified Electrocardiogram Technician Practice Test
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Rhythm Interpretation & Patient Care Flashcards

7 cards from real CET 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. What is the normal PR interval duration in adults?

    Answer: 0.12–0.20 seconds

    The normal PR interval ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds (3–5 small squares on standard ECG paper at 25 mm/sec).

  2. A rhythm strip shows a regular rate of 250-350 bpm with a characteristic sawtooth baseline pattern. No distinct P waves are visible. Which rhythm is present?

    Answer: Atrial flutter

    Atrial flutter is characterized by a regular sawtooth (flutter wave) pattern at an atrial rate of 250–350 bpm, classically with a 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 ventricular response.

  3. Which lead is considered the best single lead for identifying P waves and diagnosing dysrhythmias?

    Answer: Lead II

    Lead II is parallel to the atrial depolarization vector, making it the best lead for visualizing upright, well-defined P waves.

  4. An ECG technician notices a patient's rhythm changes to a wide complex tachycardia at 200 bpm and the patient becomes unresponsive. The technician should FIRST:

    Answer: Call for emergency help (activate the emergency response system)

    Upon finding an unresponsive patient, the first action is to activate the emergency response system (call for help); defibrillation and other advanced interventions follow.

  5. A QTc interval of 520 ms on a patient's ECG is significant because it indicates:

    Answer: Prolonged ventricular repolarization that increases risk of Torsades de Pointes

    A QTc above 500 ms significantly increases the risk of the potentially fatal polymorphic VT known as Torsades de Pointes.

  6. Which ECG change is most associated with hypokalemia?

    Answer: Flattened T waves, prominent U waves, and ST depression

    Hypokalemia produces flattened T waves, prominent U waves (a positive deflection after the T wave), and ST depression.

  7. When a patient refuses to have an ECG performed, the ECG technician should:

    Answer: Respect the patient's decision, document the refusal, and notify the ordering provider

    Competent adult patients have the right to refuse any procedure; the technician must respect this, document the refusal, and inform the ordering clinician.