NHA Question Bank - EKG & Cardiovascular Testing
what is the ratio of applied leads to recorded leads for a standard EKG machine?
10:12 - even though there are 10 electrodes applied to pt, the standard EKG machine records 12 leads
*multichannel EKG machine had 3:6 leads recorded at once
*9:12 - nine of the electrodes are responsible for recording, and the 10th electrode (on the righ
a provider requests rhythm strip in addition to a regular EKG tracing for a pt. the MA should identify that which of the following leads provides the clearest recording of the heart rhythm?
II - lead II provides clearest recording heart rhythm and is the standard lead used for rhythm strip
*I - altho lead I records heart rhythms, lead II is better
*III - altho lead II records heart rhythms, lead II better
*V2 - altho lead V2 records heart rh
a MA is calibrating an EKG machine. which of the following should the assistant identify as the standard speed of recording?
25 mm/sec
*assistant can change the paper speed to 50 mm/sec to spread out the cycles
when performing an EKG on a pt, a MA notices a widened QRS complex on the pt's EKG strip. which of the following is possible cause of this type of artifact?
premature ventricular contraction (PVC) - an abnormally widened QRS
complex should alert the assistant to a ventricular dysrhythmia, such as PVC, which is caused by an early contraction of the ventricles
*atrial fibrillation - example of cardiac dysrhythm
a MA is performing an EKG on a pt who has a heart rate of 105/min. the assistant should identify this finding as an indication of which of the following conditions?
tachycardia - heart rate of more than 100/min indicates tachycardia
*sinus rhythm - heart rate
and rhythm w/in expected reference range of 60/min to 100/min
*bradycardia - heart rate 60/min or below
a MA is preparing to perform an EKG recording on a pt. the assistant should recognize that which of the following info is true of limb leads and electrodes?
limb leads are placed on the fleshy areas of the skin - to promote conductivity and obtain an accurate EKG recording
*limb leads are bipolar
*V1 through V6 are precordia leads that are
unipolar
*the right leg lead wire serves as the ground and helps to av
a pt's EKG tracing shows an expected P wave, QRS complex, and T wave configuration. there are 5 complete cardiac cycles on a 6-second strip. the assistant should recognize that this represents which of the following cardiac rhythms?
sinus bradycardia - pt would have heart rate of 50/min. heart rate of less than 60/min is considered bradycardia; this pt's cardiac waves are all
w/in expected reference range, so this is sinus bradycardia
*atrial fibrillation - irregular heart rate that
a MA is preparing a pt for an EKG. which of the following locations should the assistant place the V4 lead?
in the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line
*in the 5th intercostal space at the midaxillary line - placement for V6
*in the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line - placement for V5
which of the following is a state of cellular rest that is represented by a flatline on an EKG strip?
polarization - resting state of myocardial wall, resulting in flatline/pause on EKG pattern. this is a normal phase of EKG cycle and represents a state of cellular rest w/ a positively charged outside and negatively charges inside
*myocardial infarction -
a MA notes a wandering baseline thro/out an EKG tracing. the assistant should recognize that which of the following electrocardiograph issues could have resulted in this occurrence?
the electrode pads were defective or poorly attached - any interference in the transmission of impulses, either thro poor skin contact/lead wire issues, can cause a wandering baseline in the tracing
*the machine was missing the grounding prong for the out
a MA is preparing a pt who has shortness of breath for an EKG. in which position should the assistant place the pt?
semi-fowler's - assistant can elevate the head of the bed up to 45 degrees if the pt is experiencing dyspnea
*prone - face down
*supine - lying flat on back is not appropriate for pt having difficulty breathing
*sims' - side-lying position and not appropr
a MA notices rhythmic sharp spikes thro/out EKG tracing. the assistant should identify that which of the following artifacts is occurring?
AC
interference - to avoid this artifact, assistant should check the lead wires, move pt's bed away from wall, turn off other electronics in room and ensure proper grounding of the right leg electrode
*wandering baseline - occurs when pt not remaining sti