CPR ECG Rhythm Interpretation 2

Question 1

A patient presents with an irregular rhythm, no discernible P waves, and an irregularly irregular ventricular rate of 110 bpm. What is the most likely rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular ventricular response and absent distinct P waves, replaced by fibrillatory baseline.

Question 2

On an ECG, you observe a regular rhythm at 150 bpm with sawtooth flutter waves most visible in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the atrial rate most commonly associated with this rhythm?

Accepted Answer

300-350 bpm

Answer

Atrial flutter typically has an atrial rate of 300-350 bpm, commonly presenting with 2:1 conduction yielding a ventricular rate near 150 bpm.

Question 3

A patient's ECG shows a QRS complex of 0.14 seconds with a right bundle branch block morphology and a rate of 180 bpm with no visible P waves. What rhythm should you suspect?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

A wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm without visible P waves is ventricular tachycardia until proven otherwise, even if RBBB morphology is present.

Question 4

Which ECG finding is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?

Accepted Answer

Peaked, narrow, symmetric T waves

Answer

Hyperkalemia classically produces tall, peaked, narrow, and symmetric T waves, especially prominent in precordial leads.

Question 5

A patient in cardiac arrest has ECG showing organized electrical activity but no palpable pulse. Which rhythm is present?

Accepted Answer

Pulseless electrical activity

Answer

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is defined as organized cardiac electrical activity on ECG without a palpable pulse.

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

CPR ECG Rhythm Interpretation 2