EKG certification Certification EKG Arrhythmias & Dysrhythmias 3

Question 1

An EKG shows a regular wide-complex rhythm at 35 bpm with no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Third-degree (complete) heart block with ventricular escape rhythm

Answer

Complete AV dissociation with a slow wide-complex ventricular escape rhythm at 35 bpm indicates third-degree heart block.

Question 2

Which arrhythmia is most commonly associated with a prolonged QT interval on the preceding baseline EKG?

Accepted Answer

Torsades de Pointes

Answer

Torsades de Pointes is a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that characteristically occurs in the setting of a prolonged QT interval.

Question 3

A patient's EKG reveals three or more different P-wave morphologies with varying PR intervals and an irregular ventricular rate. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Multifocal atrial tachycardia

Answer

Three or more distinct P-wave morphologies with varying PR intervals and an irregular rate above 100 bpm define multifocal atrial tachycardia.

Question 4

During continuous monitoring, you observe a sudden onset of regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 170 bpm that terminates abruptly with a vagal maneuver. What is the most likely rhythm?

Accepted Answer

AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)

Answer

Sudden onset and termination with vagal maneuvers in a regular narrow-complex tachycardia is classic for AVNRT, the most common paroxysmal SVT.

Question 5

What is the significance of capture beats and fusion beats seen during a wide-complex tachycardia?

Accepted Answer

They confirm the rhythm is ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Capture and fusion beats during a wide-complex tachycardia confirm a ventricular origin because they prove the atria and ventricles are being activated independently.

EKG certification Practice Test

EKG certification Practice Test

EKG certification Certification EKG Arrhythmias & Dysrhythmias 3