Basic Arrhythmias With 12 Lead EKG's Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which of the following statements about severe hypercalcemia and the QT interval is correct?
• Which ventricle has the larger muscle mass and thus contributes a stronger depolarization vector?
• Which rhythm is described in its clinical picture as the patient being clinically dead?
• Left axis deviation is defined as QRS axis between -30° and -90°. It is often seen with which conditions?
• The surface of the heart that faces the spine is called which of the following?
• Which statement describes narrow-complex tachycardia versus wide-complex tachycardia?
• These leads have one positive and one negative electrode, making them what type of leads?
• What is the most common lead used in the rhythm strip on the 12 lead EKG?
• Which arrhythmia is commonly caused by digoxin toxicity?
• Which rhythm's clinical picture includes that the patient is clinically dead?
• The opposing electrode is created by combining other electrodes into a _____, an electrically neutral point to reference the center of the heart.
• Which ECG leads are most informative for detecting inferior myocardial infarction?
• Which of the following lists the symptoms of diminished cardiac output?
• Which ECG changes most indicate myocardial ischemia?
• Which rhythm is a premature junctional complex that can be a normal finding in athletes?
• Left axis deviation is commonly associated with which condition?
• Which finding on ECG supports a ventricular tachycardia diagnosis when the rhythm is unstable?
• All positive deflections within the QRS complex are called which waves? If there are two of them in the same complex, the second is named prime.
• The time it takes for peak voltage to develop within the ventricles, measured from the onset of the QRS to the peak of the R wave, is the ________ deflection. A prolonged version (>0.06 s) is considered a late R wave.
• The structures that connect valve leaflets to the papillary muscles are called which?
• Which artery branches from the left coronary artery to supply the anterior surface of the heart?
• How is ventricular tachycardia identified on ECG?
• These reflect turbulence that can be caused by high flow rates, damaged valves, dilated chambers or vessels, or backward flow through a regurgitant valve. _____ are described by timing, intensity, quality, pitch and radiation.
• What QRS duration is typically used to define a wide-complex tachycardia such as VT?
• What is the normal QRS duration, and what defines a wide QRS?
• In approximately 80% of people, the right coronary artery supplies the posterior surface and the interventricular septum. This configuration is called a what heart?
• In the standard lead layout, which leads occupy the first column?
• Which valve ejects blood from the left ventricle into the aorta?
• Which rhythm is characterized by an irregular pulse and may include a pulse deficit?
• Which interval reflects the total duration of ventricular depolarization and repolarization and varies with heart rate?
• The muscular middle layer of the heart is known as which?
• Which description best matches a typical right bundle branch block on ECG?
• Which term describes a combination of electrodes that reflects the flow of electricity between two points on opposing sides of the heart?
• After entering the right atrium, blood passes through which valve to reach the right ventricle?
• Which statement describes the significance of a new left bundle branch block in chest pain?
• What is a capture beat in VT?
• Which finding would most strongly indicate ventricular tachycardia during a wide-complex tachycardia?
• Which surface is on the side above the diaphragmatic surface?
• What does QTc represent on ECG interpretation?
• The atria contract to fill the ventricles which is called ___ ____
• Premature Atrial Complex is commonly seen in which groups?
• How do you calculate heart rate on a 6-second ECG strip?
• In the Sokolow-Lyon criterion, which measurement sum is used?
• Which vessels siphon off a share of oxygenated blood to supply the heart muscle?
• QT prolongation increases the risk of which arrhythmia?
• ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF localizes an infarct to which wall?
• Which statement correctly describes the Sokolow-Lyon criterion for LVH on the ECG?
• Which of the following best describes the typical ECG appearance of digoxin effect?
• The inner lining of the heart chambers is called which structure?
• The first heart sound is associated with the closure of which valves and marks the onset of ventricular systole?
• ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF indicates?
• Which valve exits the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?
• Which leads are placed in the third column of the standard layout?
• What are the two interrelated systems that pump the blood through the heart?
• How do you differentiate AVNRT from AVRT on ECG?
• Blood returns to the right atrium from the body via which vessels?
• What is the key distinction between complete heart block and Mobitz II on ECG?
• Which pair of valves are the semilunar valves?
• The combined ventricular vector, which flows down to the left due to the left ventricle's larger muscle mass, is known as the _____ axis.
• A shift of the QRS axis to the patient's right, typically between +90 and +180 degrees, is called
• What is the recommended management for an unstable patient with suspected VT or SVT with aberrancy?
• Which ECG finding is a sign of hypokalemia?
• Right axis deviation is defined as QRS axis between +100° and +180°. It is seen with which conditions?
• In a normal heart, the depolarization vector of the right ventricle proceeds in which direction?
• Which arteries supply the major portion of their respective ventricles?
• Premature ventricular complexes can quickly progress to which life-threatening rhythm?
• Frontal plane axis assessment uses a circle centered at which anatomical point as a reference?
• What separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?
• Which heart sound is associated with the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves and has two components (aortic closure first, then pulmonic closure)?
• A 12-lead ECG can reveal conduction abnormalities such as which of the following?
• The great vessels include which pair of vessels?
• Left axis deviation can be associated with which conditions?
• Very frequent PVCs can lead to which rhythm change?
• Which AV block is Second Degree Heart Block Type 1 (Wenckebach), with causes including anoxia, edema after open‑heart surgery, digoxin toxicity, hyperkalemia, and anterior MI?
• How can you differentiate Mobitz I (Wenckebach) from Mobitz II second-degree AV block on ECG?
• During which period are the ventricles relaxed and filling with blood?
• What is a fusion beat in VT and what does it indicate?
• When the circumflex supplies the back side of the heart, including the septum, the circulation is described as what dominance?
• Which rhythm is described as rarely causing signs or symptoms in its clinical picture?
• Which leads are placed in the fourth column of the standard layout?
• Which statement describes the lateral MI ECG features?
• Which feature identifies a paced rhythm on an ECG?
• Since only the positive electrode is polarized, these leads are considered _____ _____
• If there is no R wave, the combined negative deflection is called a ______ waves.
• The three areas used in the arrhythmia classification matrix are bradycardias, tachycardias, and which other factor?
• What term describes a shift of the mean QRS axis beyond normal boundaries?
• Sinus Arrhythmia is usually which of the following?
• Sinus Tachycardia is commonly seen in which population?
• The conventional 12-lead EKG is defined by placing 6 leads on the frontal plane and 6 leads on the chest, providing information from 12 angles. Is this statement True or False?
• Which node initiates the normal heartbeat?
• What are the key ECG features of ventricular fibrillation?
• Which leads show LV strain pattern, which is associated with LVH?
• Which artery determines dominant blood supply to the posterior heart when it supplies the posterior surface and interventricular septum?
• Which rhythm is associated with a very rapid rate that can lead to congestive heart failure or myocardial ischemia and carries a risk of pulmonary and cerebral emboli?
• The outer layer forming the surface of the heart is known as which?
• How many leads are placed on the frontal plane in the conventional 12 lead EKG?
• The ventricles contract in which phase to eject blood into the pulmonary system or distal circulation?
• Inferior STEMI can be recognized by which ECG finding?
• What is the partition between the right and left ventricles called?
• What is the treatment approach for tachycardia?
• What is a typical clinical picture feature of sinus arrhythmia?
• When tachycardia is caused by block at the AV node, what is the goal of treatment?
• What is the matrix of clinical impact in arrhythmia assessment used to cluster arrhythmias by threat to cardiac output?
• Between the two lower chambers sits the
• The heart is roughly the size of a
• During atrial diastole, which valves open to permit ventricular filling?
• Which rhythm represents a junctional escape rhythm, where the junctional pacemaker overtakes the normal pacemaker, often associated with AMI, open‑heart surgery, myocarditis, or digoxin toxicity, and is usually asymptomatic?
• A negative deflection following an R wave is called which wave?
• Cardiac output is defined as which of the following?
• Which leads occupy the second column in the standard layout?
• Second Degree Heart Block Type II is best described as an AV block with fixed PR intervals and intermittent nonconducted QRS complexes. Which option matches this description?
• Which shape best describes the heart?
• Which sequence correctly describes the pathway of blood flow through the heart?
• Which AV conduction abnormality is commonly seen after an inferior myocardial infarction and can progress to more serious AV block?
• The R on T phenomenon is a dangerous pattern most associated with which arrhythmia?
• The lower point that slants downward and to the left is the
• Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia is most commonly seen in which condition?
• 4 limb electrodes are used to view the frontal plane: RA, LA, LL, RL. These electrodes are used to produce the ___ ____ ___. I, II, III. All of these are bipolar leads.
• What term describes manifestations of electrical activity in the heart that cause problems when the rhythm breaks down?
• Which artery passes around to supply the posterior surface of the heart, including the septum?
• Which muscles open and close the valves that prevent backflow?
• Reciprocal changes in ECG are most indicative of which acute event?
• The axis of the heart as a whole is called the _____ _____ _____, which shows the overall direction of flow within the heart.
• Which valve directs blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?
• Which ECG signs are typical of non-ST elevation ischemia or NSTEMI?
• Which heart sound is a sign of pathology in an adult and occurs early in ventricular diastole during rapid ventricular filling?
• The Diaphragmatic Surface of the heart refers to which portion that rests against the diaphragm?
• Cardiac veins drain into which vessel located within the right atrium?
• In Mobitz II, what is observed in the PR interval of conducted beats?
• In atrial fibrillation, which statement about QRS width is accurate?
• The two upper chambers of the heart are called the
• What defines a pathological Q wave on ECG?
• Arrhythmias can lower cardiac output and cause which of the following problems?
• Which feature best defines atrial fibrillation on ECG?
• How is QTc calculated using Bazett's formula?
• Hyperkalemia is classically associated with which ECG finding?
• How can frequent PVCs affect overall rhythm on ECG?
• What defines third-degree AV block on ECG?
• Practically speaking there are 2 dimensions in which electrodes can be placed... This record is called a ____ ___ ____ ____.
• Which ECG finding is indicative of an acute STEMI?
• What does a short PR interval with a delta wave indicate on ECG?
• The QT interval is measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of which wave?
• The apex of the heart points toward which direction?
• Which rhythm is an accelerated junctional rhythm, indicating an irritable junction overriding the normal pacemaker and typically associated with AMI, open‑heart surgery, myocarditis, or digoxin toxicity?
• In ventricular tachycardia, what is commonly observed about P waves?
• Which term describes the underside of the heart that rests against the diaphragm?
• Between the two upper chambers lies the thin wall called the
• Which rhythm is described as very dangerous in acute myocardial infarction or heart disease and is commonly caused by digoxin toxicity, presenting with a rapid, regular pulse and signs of decreased cardiac output?
• Which statement best describes the clinical picture of sinus tachycardia?
• Which statement best describes the appearance and risk of a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) on ECG?
• An electrical impulse results in which action to pump blood and produce a pulse?
• Which term describes a QRS complex that looks like a normal conduction occurring during ventricular tachycardia, indicating occasional capture?
• Which description best represents the sequence of ECG changes in hyperkalemia?
• What distinguishes torsades de pointes from other tachycardias on ECG?
• In 80% of people, which artery supplies the posterior surface and interventricular septum, defining a dominant right heart?
• Which valve exits the left ventricle into the aorta?
• Which rhythm carries a very poor prognosis and is often seen after patient has been in arrest for some time?
• Atrial Tachycardia is commonly associated with which severe outcomes?
• The second heart sound is associated with the closure of which valves, and has two components: first is closure of the aortic valve and second is closure of the pulmonic valve.
• Which statement best describes the directional view provided by a standard 12-lead ECG?
• Which combination of findings on an ECG is characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern?
• Which of the following describes the typical ECG signs of hyperkalemia?
• Which rhythm has a slow rate that can cause signs or symptoms of low cardiac output?
• What is the classic ECG appearance of atrial flutter?
• Murmurs are described by timing, intensity, quality, pitch and radiation. Which option lists these descriptors?
• Which leads show lateral MI?
• Which statement about QT interval measurement is true?
• Which rhythm is junctional tachycardia, which can be caused by anoxia, ischemia, AV node malfunction, edema after open‑heart surgery, or digoxin toxicity and can lead to more serious AV block?
• Which statement about posterior MI assessment is true?
• The first heart sound has two components due to split closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves, but these components are generally not audible. This describes which heart sound?
• Which surface of the heart lies on the plane opposite the spine?
• What is the LV strain pattern on ECG?
• What does the presence of a delta wave indicate on an ECG?
• The larger vector in the heart's electrical activity is called the _____, or the sum direction of electrical flow.
• Which of the following statements about the QT interval in hypocalcemia is correct?
• Which surface of the heart is described as the lateral surface?
• Which electrolyte disturbance is associated with U waves on ECG?
• Which rhythm can present with a pulse that is either regular or irregular?
• Current flowing away from a positive electrode on an ECG trace creates which deflection?
• What is the hallmark of a first-degree AV block on ECG?
• There are three distinct gallop rhythms. They are?
• Right axis deviation is most commonly seen with which condition?
• Posterior MI ECG sign on standard leads?
• Which axis represents the overall direction of ventricular depolarization?
• Which intervention is used to treat acidosis as an underlying condition?
• The normal heartbeat triggered by the SA node is termed the
• The structure that lies between the right atrium and right ventricle is the what?
• Two R waves in the same QRS complex without an intervening S wave produce a pattern technically called RR, but it is commonly described as what?
• Third Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block) is typically characterized by which combination of features?
• A single lead used for this purpose is called a ____ _____.
• Which term refers to the neutral reference point used by unipolar leads to reference the center of the heart?
• Current flowing toward a positive electrode on an ECG trace produces which type of deflection?
• What is the clinical significance of Premature Atrial Complex?
• Which statement is true about a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) on ECG?
• Which rhythm is described as a lethal arrhythmia indicating extreme myocardial irritability?
• Which statement correctly distinguishes sinus bradycardia from sinus tachycardia on ECG?
• What is the immediate action for a patient with pulseless VT or VF on ECG?
• In axis analysis, what term describes the vectors drawn from a central reference point to each lead’s positive electrode, forming a frontal plane map?
• Which axis designation corresponds to the quadrant described as indeterminate axis, located in the upper left quadrant with vectors between ±180 and -90 degrees?
• The left coronary artery branches into which two arteries?
• A negative deflection before the R wave is called which wave?
• If the circumflex branch supplies the back side of the heart, including the septum, the circulation is considered what?
• What is the volume of blood pumped out by a ventricle with each heartbeat?
• Which of the following is a common cause of complete heart block?
• Which heart surface faces forward and abuts the chest wall?
• Which heart sound is related to atrial contraction that is more forceful than normal?
• Which QRS morphology is typical of a left bundle branch block on ECG?
• What rhythm is the normal cardiac pattern that typically does not produce symptoms?
• There are 3 distinct types of gallop rhythms. They are?
• These are the most positive deflections when the lead axis and QRS axis are parallel (or most negative if the current flows toward the negative electrode).
• What is the name of the arrangement that places the 12 leads in four columns of three rows each, starting at the upper left, with Lead II appearing along the bottom?
• Which term describes the measure of cardiac activity usually expressed as beats per minute?
• Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs) are considered extremely dangerous if which features are present?
• In the Modified Chest Left lead, the negative electrode goes on the left upper chest, with the positive electrode at the right side of the sternum in the 4th intercostal space. Which description is correct?
• The heart is located in the chest behind which bone?
• These are called Gallop Rhythms because the heart sounds are grouped together so they sound like three horses.
• In standard limb leads, Lead II measures electrical potential between which two electrodes?
• In the first phase of a cardiac cycle the atria are at rest, allowing blood to pour in from the body and lungs. This phase is called ____ ____. As the pressure rises, the tricuspid & bicuspid (mitral) valves open to allow blood to pass into the relaxed ventricles
• Which feature defines Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) on ECG?
• Which rhythm is described as Normal and often seen in very old, very young, or athletes?
• Another popular monitoring is called ____ ___ ____. It is a bipolar lead that can be useful in differentiating rhythms with broad QRS complexes.
• What is the old adage in electrocardiography?
• Which rhythm is considered normal and often seen in athletes?
• The two lower chambers are called the
• If amiodarone is unavailable, which drug is listed as an alternative for stable monomorphic VT per protocol?
• The heart is housed within a fibroserous sac called the what?
• Which rhythm can precede blocks or Asystole?
• Which lead runs across the bottom of the page in the standard layout?
• The upper end of the heart, which is pointed upward and to the right, is called the
• Which finding may appear early during myocardial ischemia?
• When a lead deflects the current at right angles to its direction, the trace will be what?
• The leads that allow you to see the electrical flow in the horizontal plane or circumference of the chest. There are 6 of them, obtained by pairing each positive electrode with the central terminal. They are unipolar and view current flowing from the heart towards the chest wall. What are these leads called?
• What is the essential function of the heart as described in the material?
• This term marks the boundary between the end of the QRS and the beginning of the ST segment.
• The normal QRS axis typically lies in which quadrant and range?
• A ventricular tachycardia with a pulse and instability is best managed by?
• Wandering pacemaker rhythm is typically associated with which clinical feature?
• Which pattern is commonly referred to as 'rabbit ears' on the ECG?
• For stable monomorphic VT with no hemodynamic compromise, what is the first-line pharmacologic therapy?