DC Dysrhythmia ECG Monitoring & Analysis 5

Question 1

A patient's ECG shows tall, peaked T waves and widening QRS complexes with a rate of 58 bpm. The clinical scenario that BEST explains these findings is:

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia classically produces tall peaked T waves followed by progressive QRS widening and, if uncorrected, a sine-wave pattern leading to ventricular fibrillation.

Question 2

In pulseless electrical activity (PEA), the cardiac monitor will display:

Accepted Answer

Organized electrical activity without a palpable pulse

Answer

PEA is defined by the presence of organized cardiac electrical activity on the monitor in the absence of a detectable pulse.

Question 3

What is the normal duration of the QRS complex in a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

0.06–0.10 seconds

Answer

A normal QRS complex in adults ranges from 0.06 to 0.10 seconds (60–100 ms); values above 0.12 seconds indicate conduction delay.

Question 4

A rhythm strip shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with at least 3 distinct P-wave morphologies and a rate of 115 bpm. This is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Multifocal atrial tachycardia

Answer

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is defined by three or more distinct P-wave morphologies, an irregular rhythm, and a rate exceeding 100 bpm.

Question 5

When the T wave is inverted in leads facing the left ventricle (I, aVL, V4–V6), this finding is most commonly associated with:

Accepted Answer

Myocardial ischemia or injury to the left ventricle

Answer

T-wave inversions in leads overlying the left ventricle indicate repolarization abnormalities most commonly caused by myocardial ischemia or injury.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Dysrhythmia ECG Monitoring & Analysis 5