EKG Interpretation & Waveforms Flashcards
6 cards from real EKG certification Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 EKG Interpretation & Waveforms flashcards as text
A patient's EKG shows a prolonged QT interval measuring 520 ms. Which of the following is the MOST significant risk associated with this finding?
Answer: Torsades de pointes
Prolonged QT interval increases the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Which EKG finding is characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome?
Answer: Delta wave with shortened PR interval
WPW syndrome is identified by a delta wave (slurred upstroke of the QRS), shortened PR interval, and widened QRS complex due to an accessory pathway.
On a standard 12-lead EKG, which leads directly view the inferior wall of the heart?
Answer: II, III, aVF
Leads II, III, and aVF are the inferior leads that view the bottom surface of the heart supplied primarily by the right coronary artery.
A rhythm strip shows an irregularly irregular rhythm with no discernible P waves and a ventricular rate of 130 bpm. What is the MOST likely interpretation?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
An irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves and a rapid ventricular rate is the classic presentation of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.
What does ST segment depression in leads V1-V4 during an acute clinical presentation MOST likely indicate?
Answer: Posterior wall myocardial infarction
Reciprocal ST depression in V1-V4 with acute symptoms suggests a posterior MI, which should be confirmed with posterior leads V7-V9.
Which of the following EKG changes is MOST consistent with hyperkalemia?
Answer: Peaked T waves and widened QRS complex
Hyperkalemia classically produces tall peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and can progress to sine wave pattern and cardiac arrest if untreated.