CRAT Life-Threatening Arrhythmias 2

Question 1

Ventricular fibrillation on an ECG is best described by which appearance?

Accepted Answer

Chaotic, irregular waveforms with no discernible QRS complexes

Answer

Ventricular fibrillation produces completely chaotic, irregular electrical activity with no organized QRS complexes — the ventricles quiver rather than contract effectively.

Question 2

The immediate treatment for pulseless ventricular tachycardia is which intervention?

Accepted Answer

Unsynchronized defibrillation (cardioversion)

Answer

Pulseless VT is treated identically to VF with immediate unsynchronized defibrillation, as it represents a cardiac arrest requiring immediate restoration of organized rhythm.

Question 3

Torsades de pointes is a form of polymorphic VT most closely associated with which ECG finding before its onset?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged QT interval

Answer

Torsades de pointes typically occurs in the setting of a prolonged QT interval, which indicates prolonged ventricular repolarization and increased risk of early afterdepolarizations.

Question 4

Asystole on the cardiac monitor is confirmed by which finding?

Accepted Answer

Flat line in at least two leads with confirmed electrode placement

Answer

True asystole must be confirmed in at least two leads to rule out artifact or a disconnected electrode causing a false flat line — always check multiple leads before treating as asystole.

Question 5

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is defined by which combination of findings?

Accepted Answer

Organized ECG rhythm with no detectable pulse

Answer

PEA is the presence of organized electrical activity on the ECG (excluding VT/VF) with no palpable pulse — the heart generates electrical signals but fails to produce effective mechanical contraction.

CRAT - Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician Practice Test

CRAT - Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician Practice Test

CRAT Life-Threatening Arrhythmias 2