CET EKG Technician Skills and Knowledge Base 2

Question 1

Which lead placement error would cause an inverted P wave in lead I?

Accepted Answer

Right and left arm electrodes reversed

Answer

Reversing the right and left arm electrodes inverts the polarity of lead I, causing a negative P wave where it should be positive.

Question 2

A patient has a heart rate of 150 bpm with narrow QRS complexes and no visible P waves. Which rhythm is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Junctional tachycardia

Answer

Junctional tachycardia presents with a rate of 100–180 bpm, narrow QRS, and absent or retrograde P waves.

Question 3

What is the normal PR interval range on an adult EKG?

Accepted Answer

0.12–0.20 seconds

Answer

The normal PR interval is 0.12–0.20 seconds (3–5 small boxes), representing atrial depolarization and AV node conduction.

Question 4

During a Holter monitor application, why is it important to abrade the skin before attaching electrodes?

Accepted Answer

To remove dead skin cells and oils that increase impedance

Answer

Light skin abrasion removes the outer epidermal layer and oils, lowering electrical impedance and improving signal quality.

Question 5

Which of the following is a characteristic of first-degree AV block?

Accepted Answer

PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds with every P wave conducted

Answer

First-degree AV block is defined by a consistently prolonged PR interval (>0.20 s) with every P wave followed by a QRS.

(CET) Certified EKG Technician Practice Test