CET Arrhythmia Recognition & Classification 3

Question 1

Torsades de pointes is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia most commonly associated with:

Accepted Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Torsades de pointes ('twisting of the points') occurs in the setting of a prolonged QT interval and is characterized by QRS complexes that twist around the isoelectric baseline.

Question 2

Which ECG finding is most characteristic of hyperkalemia contributing to a bradyarrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked, narrow, tall T waves with widening QRS

Answer

Hyperkalemia produces peaked, tall, narrow T waves early, and progressive QRS widening, which can degrade into a sine-wave pattern and cardiac arrest.

Question 3

A patient has an irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves and a variable ventricular rate of 90–140 bpm. The most likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm, absence of distinct P waves, and fibrillatory baseline activity (f waves).

Question 4

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are characterized on the ECG by:

Accepted Answer

Wide QRS >0.12 s without a preceding P wave, followed by a full compensatory pause

Answer

PVCs arise from ectopic ventricular foci, producing wide, bizarre QRS complexes without a preceding P wave, typically followed by a compensatory pause.

Question 5

The Brugada pattern on an ECG is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Coved ST elevation in V1–V2 with right bundle branch block pattern

Answer

Brugada syndrome shows a distinctive coved-type ST elevation (>2 mm) in the right precordial leads (V1–V2) with a right bundle branch block-like pattern, predisposing to ventricular fibrillation.

(CET) Certified Electrocardiogram Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Electrocardiogram Technician Practice Test

CET Arrhythmia Recognition & Classification 3