CRAT ECG Troubleshooting and Artifacts 3

Question 1

A rhythm strip shows regular QRS complexes intermixed with artifact spikes from a patient's implanted pacemaker. How can you best distinguish paced beats from artifact?

Accepted Answer

Paced beats are followed by a wide QRS complex after each pacemaker spike

Answer

Artifact spikes are always followed by a QRS complex

Answer

Paced beats produce narrow QRS complexes

Answer

Pacemaker spikes occur randomly with no relationship to QRS complexes

Question 2

Standard ECG paper runs at which speed?

Accepted Answer

25 mm/sec

Answer

50 mm/sec

Answer

10 mm/sec

Answer

100 mm/sec

Question 3

Which chest electrode position is placed at the fourth intercostal space to the right of the sternum?

Accepted Answer

V1

Answer

V2

Answer

V3

Answer

V4

Question 4

A patient with shivering produces ECG artifact that closely resembles which serious arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Complete heart block

Answer

Sinus bradycardia

Question 5

When performing a 12-lead ECG, the RL (right leg) electrode serves primarily which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Electrical ground/reference to reduce common-mode noise

Answer

Positive electrode for lead III

Answer

Records the aVF lead signal

Answer

Provides the negative reference for limb leads

Question 6

Improper placement of the V4 electrode (placed too high, at the 4th ICS instead of 5th) would most likely affect which finding?

Accepted Answer

R wave progression and ST segment changes in the precordial leads

Answer

PR interval measurements

Answer

Limb lead voltage amplitude

Answer

QT interval duration