Rhythm Interpretation & Patient Care Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Rhythm Interpretation & Patient Care flashcards as text
A patient's ECG shows a regular rhythm with a rate of 150 bpm, narrow QRS complexes, and no visible P waves. What is the most likely rhythm?
Answer: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
SVT typically presents with a regular rate of 150-250 bpm, narrow QRS complexes, and absent or hidden P waves.
On a rhythm strip, you observe a P wave followed by a progressively lengthening PR interval until a QRS is dropped, then the cycle repeats. What is this rhythm?
Answer: Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) block
Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) is characterized by progressive PR interval prolongation followed by a dropped QRS beat.
A patient with a known pacemaker has a rhythm strip showing pacemaker spikes not followed by QRS complexes. This finding most likely indicates:
Answer: Pacemaker failure to capture
Failure to capture occurs when the pacemaker fires but the impulse does not depolarize the myocardium, resulting in spikes without QRS complexes.
While performing an ECG on an anxious patient, you notice artifact that mimics atrial fibrillation. What is the most appropriate first action?
Answer: Ask the patient to relax and hold still, then repeat the tracing
Muscle tremor artifact from an anxious or trembling patient can mimic AF; calming the patient and retaking the tracing is the correct first step.
Which finding on a rhythm strip is most consistent with hyperkalemia?
Answer: Tall, peaked T waves with widened QRS
Hyperkalemia classically produces tall, peaked (tent-shaped) T waves and, at higher levels, widening of the QRS complex.
A patient's ECG shows a regular ventricular rate of 40 bpm with P waves occurring at a different, regular rate with no relationship to QRS complexes. What rhythm is present?
Answer: Complete (third-degree) AV block
Third-degree AV block features independent atrial and ventricular rhythms with no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes (AV dissociation).
During an ECG procedure, the patient reports sudden chest pain and becomes diaphoretic. What is the MOST appropriate action by the ECG technician?
Answer: Immediately stop the procedure and alert the nurse or physician
A patient experiencing acute symptoms like chest pain and diaphoresis requires immediate notification of nursing or medical staff; the technician should not delay by completing the test.