Practice Test Geeks(ECC) Emergency Cardiovascular Care Certification Practice Test
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Cardiac Rhythm Recognition & Interpretation Flashcards

7 cards from real ECC 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. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is defined as which of the following?

    Answer: Three or more consecutive PVCs at a rate greater than 100 bpm

    VT is defined as three or more consecutive ventricular complexes at a rate exceeding 100 bpm, originating below the bundle of His.

  2. Which ECG change is most specific for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)?

    Answer: ST-segment elevation ≥1 mm in two or more contiguous leads

    STEMI is diagnosed when ST-segment elevation ≥1 mm is present in two or more contiguous leads, reflecting transmural myocardial injury in a shared coronary territory.

  3. In Mobitz Type II second-degree AV block, what is the hallmark ECG finding?

    Answer: Sudden non-conducted P wave without prior PR interval changes

    Mobitz Type II shows a sudden dropped QRS complex with no preceding PR prolongation, indicating an infranodal block that often progresses to complete heart block.

  4. Which cardiac arrest rhythm requires immediate defibrillation as primary treatment?

    Answer: Ventricular fibrillation

    Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm where early defibrillation is the definitive treatment, as CPR alone cannot restore organized rhythm.

  5. Torsades de Pointes is most closely associated with which ECG abnormality?

    Answer: Prolonged QT interval

    Torsades de Pointes is a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that arises in the setting of a prolonged QT interval, which predisposes to early afterdepolarizations.

  6. What is the most common cause of a wide-complex tachycardia encountered in emergency settings?

    Answer: Ventricular tachycardia

    Ventricular tachycardia accounts for approximately 80% of all wide-complex tachycardias; it should be the presumptive diagnosis until proven otherwise.

  7. For a hemodynamically unstable patient with symptomatic sinus bradycardia, what is the correct first-line pharmacologic treatment per ACLS guidelines?

    Answer: Atropine 0.5 mg IV

    Atropine 0.5 mg IV is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia; transcutaneous pacing is the backup if atropine fails or is not available.