PCT EKG Basics 4

Question 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:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Green electrode

Answer

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).

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

First-degree AV block

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

No net electrical activity in the heart

Answer

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

Question 5

Coarse ventricular fibrillation on an EKG appears as:

Accepted Answer

Absent QRS with chaotic high-amplitude waveforms

Answer

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

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PCT EKG Basics 4