CRAT Life-Threatening Arrhythmias 3

Question 1

Which electrolyte abnormality is most directly associated with development of torsades de pointes?

Accepted Answer

Hypomagnesemia

Answer

Hypomagnesemia is a major risk factor for torsades de pointes and IV magnesium sulfate is the specific treatment, even if serum magnesium levels appear near normal.

Question 2

In the chain of survival, early defibrillation for VF is critical because VF survival decreases by approximately how much for each minute without defibrillation?

Accepted Answer

7-10% per minute

Answer

Without defibrillation, survival rates for VF decrease 7-10% for every minute that passes, making rapid defibrillation the most critical intervention after cardiac arrest.

Question 3

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) most commonly occurs in which clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

Reperfusion after myocardial infarction

Answer

AIVR is a classic reperfusion arrhythmia seen within hours of restoring coronary flow after MI (thrombolytics or PCI), generally considered benign and self-limiting.

Question 4

Hyperkalemia classically produces which ECG change that can progress to ventricular fibrillation?

Accepted Answer

Progressive widening of QRS followed by sine-wave pattern

Answer

Hyperkalemia produces sequential ECG changes: peaked T waves → PR prolongation → P wave flattening → QRS widening → sine-wave pattern → VF/asystole.

Question 5

When defibrillating a patient, which safety precaution is most critical immediately before delivering the shock?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all personnel are clear of the patient and bed before discharging

Answer

Clearing all personnel from the patient and bed is the most critical safety step — delivering the shock while anyone is in contact risks severe electrical injury to bystanders.

CRAT - Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician Practice Test

CRAT - Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician Practice Test

CRAT Life-Threatening Arrhythmias 3