DC Dysrhythmia Equipment & Technology 2

Question 1

What type of pacemaker fires only when the heart's intrinsic rate falls below a programmed set rate?

Accepted Answer

Demand (synchronous) pacemaker

Answer

A demand pacemaker continuously senses the patient's intrinsic rhythm and fires only when the rate falls below the programmed lower rate limit, preventing competition with native beats.

Question 2

In the NASPE/BPEG pacemaker nomenclature code, what does the first letter represent?

Accepted Answer

Chamber(s) paced

Answer

The first letter of the NBG pacemaker code designates the chamber(s) paced: A (atrium), V (ventricle), D (dual — both), or O (none).

Question 3

What ECG finding is characteristic of a functioning ventricular pacemaker spike?

Accepted Answer

Wide QRS complex preceded by a pacemaker spike

Answer

Ventricular pacing produces a pacemaker spike followed by a wide QRS because ventricular activation travels via slow cell-to-cell conduction rather than the His-Purkinje system.

Question 4

What is pacemaker failure to capture?

Accepted Answer

A pacemaker spike is present but does not produce myocardial depolarization

Answer

Failure to capture occurs when a pacemaker spike is visible on ECG but is not followed by a P wave or QRS complex, indicating the stimulus is insufficient to depolarize the myocardium.

Question 5

Which condition most commonly causes pacemaker failure to sense?

Accepted Answer

Lead dislodgement or fracture

Answer

Lead dislodgement or fracture is the most common cause of sensing failure because it disrupts the electrical connection between the myocardium and the pulse generator.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Dysrhythmia Equipment & Technology 2