Free EKG Certification Question and Answers

Question 1

Following complaints of weakness and overall malaise, a patient is put on the heart monitor. What kind of rhythm is this?

Accepted Answer

accelerated idioventricular rhythm

Answer

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) is characterized by a ventricular rate between 40-100 bpm, wide QRS complexes, and no consistent relationship between P waves and QRS complexes (or absent P waves). It often occurs in the setting of myocardial ischemia or reperfusion. The symptoms of weakness and malaise are consistent with a slower ventricular rhythm that may not adequately perfuse the body.

Question 2

This beat is called a .

Accepted Answer

atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves, replaced by chaotic fibrillatory waves. The ventricular response is typically rapid and irregular. This chaotic electrical activity in the atria prevents effective atrial contraction and leads to an erratic ventricular rhythm.

Question 3

A patient is visiting her cardiologist for a routine examination. What does the monitor's rhythm look like?

Accepted Answer

first-degree AV heart block

Answer

First-degree AV heart block is identified by a consistently prolonged PR interval (greater than 0.20 seconds) on the EKG. Every P wave is followed by a QRS complex, indicating that all atrial impulses are eventually conducted to the ventricles, but with a delay. This condition is often asymptomatic and discovered during routine examinations.

Question 4

What would you call this rhythm?

Accepted Answer

junctional tachycardia

Answer

Junctional tachycardia is characterized by a narrow QRS complex tachycardia with a heart rate typically between 100-180 bpm. P waves may be absent, inverted, or retrograde (appearing after the QRS) due to the impulse originating from the AV junction. This rhythm indicates increased automaticity of the AV junction.

Question 5

When your patient complains of chest pain, the cardiac monitor is activated. What would you say about this rhythm?

Accepted Answer

premature atrial complex

Answer

A premature atrial complex (PAC) is an early beat originating from an ectopic focus in the atria, before the next expected sinus beat. It is characterized by an early P wave that often has a different morphology than the sinus P waves, followed by a QRS complex. PACs are common and often benign, though they can sometimes cause palpitations or chest discomfort.

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Free EKG Certification Question and Answers