DC Quality Assurance & Standards 2

Question 1

Which organization publishes the primary standards for electrocardiographic monitoring equipment used in dysrhythmia certification programs?

Accepted Answer

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

Answer

AAMI publishes key standards (e.g., AAMI EC57) governing ECG monitor performance and alarm systems used in clinical settings.

Question 2

A cardiac monitor displays a flat line but the patient is responsive and has a palpable pulse. What is the FIRST quality assurance step?

Accepted Answer

Check lead connections and electrode placement

Answer

Asystole on the monitor with a pulse present indicates a technical artifact; verifying lead and electrode integrity is the first troubleshooting step.

Question 3

Under The Joint Commission standards, how frequently must alarm parameters on cardiac monitors be reassessed for ICU patients?

Accepted Answer

Every shift or per facility policy, at minimum

Answer

TJC's National Patient Safety Goal 06.01.01 requires individualized alarm settings to be reviewed regularly, at minimum each shift.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a daily calibration check on a 12-lead ECG machine in a quality assurance program?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the 1 mV calibration signal produces a 10 mm deflection

Answer

The standard 1 mV calibration pulse producing a 10 mm deflection confirms accurate amplitude measurement essential for diagnosis.

Question 5

Which QA metric best reflects the effectiveness of a telemetry monitoring unit's dysrhythmia detection process?

Accepted Answer

Rate of clinically significant dysrhythmias identified and acted upon versus missed events

Answer

Tracking identified-and-acted-upon events versus missed events directly measures the clinical effectiveness of the monitoring process.

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

(DC) Dysrhythmia Certification Practice Test

DC Quality Assurance & Standards 2