DC Cardiac Pacemaker Therapy & Management

Question 1

Which condition is the most common indication for permanent pacemaker implantation?

Accepted Answer

Complete heart block (third-degree AV block)

Answer

Complete heart block is the most common indication for permanent pacemaker implantation because the ventricles receive no electrical signals from the atria, requiring an artificial pacemaker to maintain an adequate heart rate.

Question 2

In the NBG (NASPE/BPEG Generic) pacemaker code, what does the first letter represent?

Accepted Answer

The chamber paced

Answer

In the NBG pacemaker code, the first letter represents the chamber(s) being paced (A = atrium, V = ventricle, D = dual).

Question 3

A VVI pacemaker is best described as a device that:

Accepted Answer

Paces the ventricle, senses the ventricle, and is inhibited by intrinsic ventricular activity

Answer

VVI indicates Ventricle paced, Ventricle sensed, and Inhibited response — meaning the pacemaker fires only when the intrinsic ventricular rate drops below the programmed lower rate.

Question 4

What is the primary clinical advantage of dual-chamber (DDD) pacing over single-chamber ventricular (VVI) pacing?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance of AV synchrony

Answer

DDD pacing maintains AV synchrony by coordinating atrial and ventricular contractions, which improves cardiac output by approximately 20–30% compared to VVI pacing.

Question 5

Which pacemaker mode is most appropriate for a patient with sick sinus syndrome and intact AV conduction?

Accepted Answer

AAI

Answer

AAI pacing is ideal for sick sinus syndrome with intact AV conduction because only atrial pacing is needed; the AV node and ventricles function normally.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Cardiac Pacemaker Therapy & Management