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EKG Basics Flashcards

7 cards from real PCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A PCT notices the EKG shows wide QRS complexes at a rate of 160 bpm with no identifiable P waves. This is most consistent with:

    Answer: Ventricular tachycardia

    Ventricular tachycardia presents with wide QRS complexes (≥0.12 s), a rate typically 100–250 bpm, and absent or dissociated P waves.

  2. Which electrode is placed on the left leg (LL) when setting up a standard 12-lead EKG?

    Answer: Green electrode

    The green (or red in some systems) electrode is placed on the left leg; standard color coding in the US is white (RA), black (LA), green (LL), red (RL).

  3. A patient's EKG shows a PR interval of 0.28 seconds with each P wave followed by a QRS. This represents:

    Answer: First-degree AV block

    First-degree AV block is defined as a PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds with every P wave still followed by a QRS complex.

  4. What does the isoelectric (flat) baseline between EKG waves represent?

    Answer: No net electrical activity in the heart

    The isoelectric line indicates no net electrical activity is being detected at that moment, serving as the reference baseline.

  5. Coarse ventricular fibrillation on an EKG appears as:

    Answer: Absent QRS with chaotic high-amplitude waveforms

    Coarse ventricular fibrillation shows chaotic, irregular, high-amplitude waveforms with no identifiable P waves, QRS complexes, or T waves.

  6. Which intercostal space is used for lead V4 placement?

    Answer: 5th intercostal space

    V4 is placed at the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.

  7. In third-degree (complete) AV block, which of the following is true?

    Answer: P waves and QRS complexes are completely dissociated

    In complete heart block, the atria and ventricles beat independently because no impulses conduct through the AV node; P waves and QRS complexes are dissociated.