ECG ECG Patient Monitoring and Safety

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of continuous cardiac monitoring in a hospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Early detection of life-threatening arrhythmias

Answer

Continuous cardiac monitoring is used to detect dangerous arrhythmias early so that timely intervention can be initiated.

Question 2

Which organization provides guidelines for in-hospital cardiac monitoring practice in the US?

Accepted Answer

American Heart Association (AHA)

Answer

The AHA publishes evidence-based practice standards for in-hospital cardiac monitoring.

Question 3

A patient's ECG alarm is alarming frequently with no clinical change — what is this called?

Accepted Answer

Alarm fatigue

Answer

Alarm fatigue occurs when frequent non-actionable alarms cause staff to become desensitized, posing a patient safety risk.

Question 4

What ECG finding in a monitored patient should prompt the nurse to call a rapid response immediately?

Accepted Answer

Sustained ventricular tachycardia with a heart rate of 180 bpm

Answer

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening arrhythmia requiring immediate clinical assessment and intervention.

Question 5

Which AAMI/IEC standard governs ECG electrode performance requirements in the US?

Accepted Answer

AAMI EC12

Answer

AAMI EC12 is the US standard specifying performance requirements for disposable ECG electrodes.

ECG Certification Practice Test