EKG Certification MCQ Flashcards
16 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 16 EKG Certification MCQ flashcards as text
Which leads are deemed to be subpar leads?
Answer: II, III, and aVF
Leads II, III, and aVF are collectively known as the inferior leads. They provide an electrical view of the inferior wall of the left ventricle. These leads are particularly important for diagnosing inferior myocardial infarctions, as changes in their ST segments or Q waves can indicate damage to this specific heart region.
What leads fall under the category of (left) lateral leads?
Answer: I, aVL
Leads I and aVL are classified as the high lateral leads, offering an electrical perspective of the high lateral wall of the left ventricle. Along with precordial leads V5 and V6 (low lateral leads), they help assess the lateral aspect of the heart. These leads are crucial for detecting lateral myocardial ischemia or infarction.
Name the location of V2 that is correct:
Answer: 4th right intercostal space
Lead V2 is correctly placed in the fourth intercostal space, just to the right of the sternum. This precise anatomical placement is part of the standard 12-lead EKG system, ensuring consistent and accurate recording of the heart's electrical activity. Proper lead placement is fundamental for reliable EKG interpretation.
Give the location for V4 a name.
Answer: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Lead V4 is positioned in the fifth intercostal space, along the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest. This placement is crucial for obtaining an electrical view of the anterior wall of the left ventricle. It is a key lead for assessing anterior myocardial conditions.
The V3 should be placed as follows:
Answer: Directly between leads V2 and V4
Lead V3 is placed directly between the positions of V2 and V4. V2 is at the fourth intercostal space, left sternal border, and V4 is at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. This intermediate placement ensures a smooth transition in the electrical view across the anterior chest wall, providing a comprehensive anterior perspective.
Which perspective of the heart do leads V3–V4 provide?
Answer: Anterior
Leads V3 and V4 are part of the precordial (chest) leads that specifically provide an anterior view of the heart. V3 is considered anteroseptal, and V4 is anterior. Together, they are essential for detecting abnormalities, such as myocardial infarction, in the anterior wall of the left ventricle.
Which lead better exhibits the P wave?
Answer: Leads II
Lead II is typically the best lead to visualize the P wave because its electrical axis is generally aligned with the direction of atrial depolarization. This alignment results in a clear, upright P wave, making it easier to assess atrial activity, rhythm, and morphology. It is often used as the primary rhythm strip lead.
Which lead do you think a BIPHASIC P wave would be in?
Answer: V1
A biphasic P wave, characterized by both an upward and a downward deflection, is most commonly observed in lead V1. This occurs because V1 is positioned over the right atrium, and the electrical impulse first moves towards V1 (positive deflection from right atrial depolarization) and then away from V1 (negative deflection from left atrial depolarization).
Which leads in the QRS complex would you see a Deep S wave?
Answer: V1, V2
In leads V1 and V2, which are positioned over the right ventricle and interventricular septum, the QRS complex typically shows a small R wave followed by a deep S wave. This pattern reflects the initial septal depolarization moving away from these leads, followed by the dominant left ventricular depolarization also moving away from V1 and V2.
Where does the R wave exceed the S wave in size?
Answer: Lead v4
The R wave progression across the precordial leads (V1-V6) involves the R wave gradually increasing in size while the S wave decreases. In a normal EKG, the R wave typically becomes larger than the S wave (R > S) around lead V3 or V4, indicating the transition zone where the electrical forces of the left ventricle become dominant.
When it is depressed, what section exhibits a symptom of significant pathology in the condition?
Answer: ST
The ST segment is a critical part of the EKG for diagnosing myocardial ischemia or injury. ST segment depression or elevation is a hallmark sign of acute coronary syndromes. Depression often indicates ischemia (reduced blood flow), while elevation typically signifies an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), making it a significant pathological indicator.
What wave is ventricular repolarization represented by?
Answer: T wave
The T wave on an EKG represents ventricular repolarization, which is the electrical recovery of the ventricles. This process allows the ventricular muscle cells to return to their resting state and prepare for the next depolarization. Abnormalities in the T wave can indicate various cardiac conditions, including ischemia or electrolyte imbalances.
On the EKG, an R-R interval is represented by .
Answer: One complete cardiac cycle
The R-R interval on an EKG measures the time between two consecutive R waves, which mark the peak of ventricular depolarization. This interval precisely represents the duration of one complete cardiac cycle, from one ventricular contraction to the next. It is fundamental for calculating heart rate and assessing the regularity of the heart rhythm.
Which of these conditions has a connection to the T waves in the brain?
Answer: Intracranial bleed
Intracranial bleeds can significantly impact the brain's autonomic nervous system, leading to characteristic EKG changes. These changes often manifest as deeply inverted or giant T waves, sometimes called 'cerebral T waves,' which are distinct from those caused by cardiac ischemia. This phenomenon is thought to be mediated by increased intracranial pressure and sympathetic overactivity affecting myocardial repolarization.
The typical QRS duration is
Answer: <0,10
The QRS complex represents the electrical depolarization of the ventricles, leading to their contraction. In a healthy heart, this process occurs rapidly, resulting in a typical QRS duration of less than 0.10 seconds (or 100 milliseconds). A prolonged QRS duration can indicate a delay in ventricular conduction, such as a bundle branch block or ventricular hypertrophy.
occurs when cardiac muscle is deprived of oxygen, causing the tissue to perish.
Answer: Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a severe and prolonged reduction or blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. This lack of oxygen (ischemia) causes the affected cardiac tissue to die (necrosis). The perishing tissue can no longer function, leading to impaired heart pumping ability.