CPR - Certified Paramedic Response ECG Rhythm Interpretation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A paramedic is analyzing an ECG strip of a 68-year-old male complaining of dizziness.
The strip shows a ventricular rate of 40 bpm, a regular rhythm, P waves that are not associated with any QRS complexes, and narrow QRS complexes.
Which rhythm is most likely represented on this ECG?

Accepted Answer

Third-Degree (Complete) AV Block

Answer

Second-Degree AV Block, Type I

Answer

Atrial Fibrillation with a slow ventricular response

Answer

Sinus Bradycardia

Question 2

You are dispatched to a 72-year-old female patient complaining of palpitations and shortness of breath. The cardiac monitor displays a narrow-complex tachycardia at a rate of 170 bpm with a regular rhythm. P waves are not clearly identifiable. Which of the following is the most likely interpretation of this rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Answer

Atrial Fibrillation

Answer

Sinus Tachycardia

Answer

Ventricular Tachycardia

Question 3

Which of the following ECG findings is the most definitive characteristic of Atrial Fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

An irregularly irregular rhythm

Answer

A 'sawtooth' pattern of P waves

Answer

A progressively lengthening PR interval

Answer

Wide, bizarre-looking QRS complexes

Question 4

A paramedic identifies a regular rhythm with a rate of 140 bpm, narrow QRS complexes, and a 'sawtooth' pattern of flutter waves instead of P waves. This rhythm is best identified as:

Accepted Answer

Atrial Flutter

Answer

Ventricular Fibrillation

Answer

Junctional Tachycardia

Answer

Sinus Tachycardia

Question 5

While assessing a patient, you note a wide-complex tachycardia on the monitor with a rate of 180 bpm and a regular rhythm. The patient is pulseless and apneic. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Begin high-quality CPR and prepare for defibrillation

Answer

Administer Amiodarone

Answer

Perform synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Question 6

What does the PR interval on an ECG tracing represent, and what is its normal duration?

Accepted Answer

The time for the electrical impulse to travel from the SA node to the ventricles; 0.12-0.20 seconds

Answer

Ventricular depolarization; 0.12-0.20 seconds

Answer

Ventricular repolarization; 0.06-0.10 seconds

Answer

The time for the electrical impulse to travel from the SA node to the ventricles; 0.06-0.10 seconds