Rapid Interpretation of EKGs Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Where are V3 and V4 leads positioned?
• Which part of the heart does a first degree AV block primarily affect?
• Where does paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (PVT or v-tach) originate?
• What occurs if the SA node misses a cardiac cycle due to a sinus block?
• What do patients with a third degree AV block typically need?
• What effect does an increased heart rate generally have on the heart's cardiac output?
• What can lead to a higher risk of ventricular tachycardia?
• What outcome might occur with effective atrial automaticity foci activity?
• What causes the wandering pacemaker rhythm?
• What are the different types of AV blocks?
• What primarily contributes to premature atrial or junctional beats?
• If you see PAT with AV block on an EKG, what condition might you suspect?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of atrial fibrillation?
• Left ventricular hypertrophy typically shows a large S wave in lead _____ and a large R wave in lead ____.
• How are the heavy black lines following an R wave numbered?
• What is the primary consequence of a first degree AV block?
• Marked T wave inversion in leads V2-V6 indicates?
• Hypoxia in the heart is typically caused by?
• Which leads are expected to have isoelectric QRS complexes?
• What physiological response occurs during prolonged standing in neuro-cardiogenic syncope?
• Ischemia on an EKG is characterized by?
• The T wave signifies what process in the heart?
• Where is the aVR lead placed?
• How many SA nodes do heart transplant patients have?
• Which term describes the rhythm initiated by the junctional foci?
• Why does PAT with AV block appear as two P waves for every QRS complex on an EKG?
• An anterior hemiblock will cause which type of axis deviation?
• If the heart has an infarction that affects its vectors, where is the mean QRS vector displaced?
• In the setting of a PAB, what is often reflected on the EKG?
• Under what condition does a junctional escape rhythm occur?
• How does a Mobitz AV block present in terms of P to QRS ratio?
• Which of the following are considered types of cardiac arrest?
• What would you see if the heart rate is above 100 bpm on an EKG?
• Which of the following is classified as an irregular rhythm?
• What is the inherent pacemaking rate of junctional foci?
• Atrial fibrillation is primarily caused by?
• For a left bundle branch block, which leads display the R, R' pattern?
• An automaticity focus is considered overdrive suppressed when:
• What phenomenon might appear on the EKG of a heart transplant patient due to the original SA node activity?
• What paces the ventricles in a third degree AV block?
• What does an isoelectric QRS complex signify?
• What does the presence of delta waves in a patient's EKG often indicate?
• What is the myocardial infarction triad?
• If the terminal component of the diphasic P wave in lead V1 is larger and wider, what condition is indicated?
• What results from a functional PAB regarding the normal pacemaker?
• Which EKG feature would NOT be expected in a left bundle branch block?
• How much time does the space between two heavy black lines (or five squares) represent?
• What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome associated with?
• How many small squares does a widened QRS complex span on an EKG?
• If the second R wave lands on mark 75 after the first R wave, what is the heart rate?
• Why is the QRS complex seen on V6 positive?
• What are the two sets of triplets found after an R wave?
• What does the EKG typically show if a PAB fails to fully depolarize the AV node?
• Which of the following is an example of an escape beat?
• What is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias?
• How does a sinus block appear on an EKG?
• How can the P waves be affected during a junctional escape rhythm?
• If a PJB depolarizes the atria in a retrograde manner, what will be observed on an EKG?
• What causes ventricular flutter?
• If uncertain about a patient's atrial flutter status, what technique can be used to clarify the EKG tracing?
• What is the typical rate range for torsades de pointes?
• When is a patient likely to show some independent P waves on an EKG?
• What term describes the direction of electrical stimulus in the heart?
• What does the presence of huge deflections in amplitudes in the chest leads usually indicate?
• Which lead is considered best for detecting right axis deviation?
• What type of pacing mimics the function of a healthy AV node in patients?
• What is the underlying cause of multifocal atrial tachycardia?
• Which feature is commonly seen in the EKG pattern of paroxysmal junctional tachycardia (PJT)?
• What is sinus block (SA block) characterized by?
• During V-tach, does the SA node continue to pace the atria?
• What effect does vasodilation have on the cardiovascular system in neuro-cardiogenic syncope?
• What does a premature atrial beat (PAB) primarily depolarize?
• What kind of arrhythmia is generally associated with digitalis toxicity?
• The QT interval is considered normal when it is approximately half of which of the following?
• What is a distinguishing feature of a cardiac escape beat compared to a normal beat?
• How can low oxygen contribute to arrhythmias?
• Which leads are identified as lateral leads?
• If a third degree AV block is located in the upper AV node, which automaticity focus will start pacing?
• Where does ventricular depolarization start within the heart structure?
• What is the rate range for atrial fibrillation?
• A large R wave and ST segment depression in leads V1 and V2 indicate what condition?
• Which of the following best describes an idioventricular rhythm?
• The space between two fine black lines (or one square) corresponds to what amount of time?
• Which arrhythmia is characterized by smooth sine waves on an EKG?
• What type of wave is diagnostic for myocardial infarction?
• What does atrial trigeminy look like on an EKG?
• What is often observed in patients experiencing episodes of V-tach?
• What is suggested when the QRS is positive in lead I and negative in lead AVF?
• What defines Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome?
• What EKG findings are indicative of hyperkalemia?
• What is the minimum adult heart rate for tachycardia?
• What is Wellens syndrome?
• What does a diphasic P wave typically indicate on an EKG?
• In a third degree AV block, what is the heart rate range for a ventricular focus pacing?
• Which change in QRS complex indicates left axis deviation (LAD)?
• Why are limb leads referred to as bipolar leads?
• In a right bundle branch block, where would the R, R' be found?
• What does ventricular parasystole look like on EKG?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the limb leads in a 12 lead EKG?
• What might an inverted T wave on an EKG suggest?
• What does MAT stand for?
• What type of tachycardia is AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT)?
• Where does atrial flutter originate?
• What is the significance of the "escape beat" phenomenon?
• If the heart is displaced, how does that affect the mean QRS vector?
• Which condition is a common cause of left atrial enlargement?
• What is a run of three or more PVCs classified as?
• What could be a potential consequence of automaticity foci in emergency situations?
• What frequency of firing do multiple automaticity foci display in ventricular fibrillation?
• What is ventricular bigeminy?
• What does a larger initial component of the diphasic P wave in lead V1 typically indicate?
• What is a major risk factor for developing multifocal atrial tachycardia?
• Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the wandering pacemaker rhythm?
• What characterizes a Wenckebach AV block?
• What does a third degree AV block cause?
• Is sinus arrhythmia considered pathological?
• What is the inherent pacemaking rate of atrial foci?
• What does it indicate if the QRS is negative in lead I and positive in lead AVF?
• Which wave is primarily involved in the atrial contraction phase?
• Which factor contributes to the irregularity of the wandering pacemaker rhythm?
• Which of the following statements is true regarding the positive electrodes of inferior leads?
• What does the EKG of atrial flutter typically resemble?
• What causes ventricular fibrillation?
• What characteristic pattern is seen in torsades de pointes on an EKG?
• What is the primary cause of atrial fibrillation?
• In EKG interpretation, which leads should be reviewed to assess the electrical position of the heart?
• If all pacemakers fail, what is the last rate the heart can manage?
• If the mean QRS vector is directed downwards and to the left, which of the following conditions might it indicate?
• During which phase can inspiration stimulate the SA node?
• How is the PR interval affected in a Wenckebach AV block?
• What does atrial fibrillation typically display on an EKG?
• In which lead is the QRS typically negative?
• In which condition would you most likely observe intermittent SVT episodes?
• What characterizes an irregular rhythm?
• What EKG sign is primarily used to indicate necrosis in myocardial infarction?
• What type of rhythm is characterized by all automaticity foci pacing with a regular rhythm?
• Which part of the EKG represents ventricular depolarization?
• An ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 can be indicative of which type of myocardial infarction?
• What does the R to R interval measure?
• What happens to atrial automaticity foci during atrial fibrillation?
• What are automaticity foci?
• What is a distinguishing feature of automaticity foci in fibrillation arrhythmias?
• In patients with complete AV block but normal sinus pacing, what type of pacing will be utilized?
• Why might a junctional escape rhythm produce an inverted P wave?
• What is torsades de pointes?
• What is a common feature of reverse T wave changes?
• How does a junctional escape beat typically occur?
• Which lead is associated with the measurement between the right arm and left foot?
• What is a common characteristic of left bundle branch block on an EKG?
• What is the purpose of the AV node in the cardiac conduction system?
• What physiological feature characterizes the conduction in a heterotrophic heart transplant?
• Which of the following is true regarding all 6 chest leads?
• What is the primary treatment for ventricular fibrillation?
• What triggers the atrial automaticity foci to take over during a sinus arrest?
• What will an anterior hemiblock look like on an EKG?
• When does the vulnerable period of a T wave occur?
• What kind of information do the limb leads provide on an EKG printout?
• What is the function of the AV node?
• What does pulseless electrical activity (PEA) refer to?
• What kind of pacing is indicated for patients requiring delayed ventricular depolarization?
• What signifies a strong pacemaker in the heart?
• What generally causes a premature beat?
• What is the primary difference between atrial bigeminy and atrial trigeminy on EKG observation?
• What is the term for a "run" or couplets of PABs and normal cycles?
• What characterizes cardiac standstill (asystole)?
• Which EKG finding typically indicates a first degree AV block?
• What does a negative QRS complex in lead V2 indicate?
• What can the P wave in PJT indicate when placed in proximity to the QRS complex?
• What defines sick sinus syndrome (SSS)?
• What defines a heterotrophic heart transplant?
• What is the likely outcome of true ventricular flutter?
• Ventricular fibrillation is classified as which of the following?
• What does aVR, aVL, and aVF represent collectively in an EKG?
• What would a junctional focus third degree AV block look like on an EKG?
• What does an upright QRS in lead I and an upright QRS in lead AVF indicate?
• What is bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome?
• What defines a subendocardial infarction on an EKG?
• Why is lead II considered useful in EKG interpretations?
• What are the terminal ends of autonomic nervous system nerves in the heart called?
• How does the P wave characteristically appear on EKG when there is atrial enlargement?
• How is ventricular flutter typically represented on an EKG?
• What heart condition is most closely associated with symptomatic V-tach?
• What are the chest leads in a 12 lead EKG?
• What is the wandering pacemaker rhythm?
• What is the ventricular rate in a third degree AV block with a junctional focus?
• Why does conduction velocity slow down at the AV node?
• What pacing method is used in a patient with both SA node failure and complete AV node block?
• What can cause a ventricular escape rhythm to occur?
• In a third degree AV block, what paces the atria?
• What phase does the ST segment correspond to in the cardiac cycle?
• What does ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) typically appear as on an EKG?
• What is a characteristic of the original SA node in heart transplant patients?
• Inverted T waves caused by ischemia are most pronounced on which leads?
• Which of the following implies a better prognosis during an episode of V-tach?
• What physiological mechanism triggers the generation of a beat during a sinus block?
• Which of the following are considered unipolar limb leads?
• What is the term for a PAB coupling to the end of a normal cycle?
• Which condition leads to premature depolarization of the ventricles?
• How many PVCs per minute is considered pathological?
• What is the primary role of the SA node in the heart?
• What characteristic feature can help distinguish V-tach from SVT?
• What does the LAD branching from the left coronary artery supply?
• What are unifocal PVCs?
• At what rate will the junctional foci initiate pacemaking if the atrial automaticity foci fail?
• If there is a large R wave in lead V1, what does it typically indicate?
• What is the normal heart rate range for ventricular fibrillation?
• What defines atrial trigeminy?
• How does a first degree AV block appear on an EKG?
• What defines a ventricular escape rhythm?
• What happens if the third degree AV block is below the AV node?
• Why are unipolar limb leads referred to as such?
• What are the different origins of paroxysmal tachycardia?
• When is a Q wave considered significant?
• What defines the inferior leads in an EKG?
• Identifying rightward rotation in the horizontal plane can be determined by monitoring which leads?
• If the QRS is positive in lead I and negative in lead AVF, what condition does this indicate?
• What is a common manifestation of a sinus block on an EKG?
• What is the primary orientation of V1 and V2 leads?
• What does ST segment elevation indicate?
• Which electrical tissue does the bundle of His primarily supply?
• What can PJT look like on an EKG?
• In what situation is the pacemaking from atrial automaticity foci observed in MAT?
• Which condition is characterized by chest pain but without significant coronary blockage?
• Which characteristic is observed in multifocal atrial tachycardia?
• What EKG finding might indicate hypokalemia?
• Which automaticity foci are not inhibited by cardiac parasympathetic activity?
• Frequent unifocal PVCs are representative of what?
• Where do third degree AV blocks typically occur?
• In AV sequential pacing, what is the primary goal of the pacing system?
• On an EKG, junctional bigeminy appears as?
• The limb leads lie in what anatomical plane?
• How can a PVC be distinguished from a normal QRS complex?
• What does lead III represent in an EKG?
• What is observed on the EKG when the ventricular myocardium depolarizes?
• What EKG appearance indicates serious deterioration in ventricular flutter?
• In atrial fibrillation, what causes the irregular ventricular rhythm?
• What occurs immediately after a sinus arrest?
• What effect does digitalis have on the EKG?
• When might a burst of parasympathetic activity lead to a ventricular escape beat?
• How does the amplitude of complexes in torsades de pointes change?
• What characterizes the rhythm of multifocal atrial tachycardia?
• When is ventricular tachycardia considered sustained?
• What characteristic finding on an EKG is indicative of Brugada syndrome?
• If the junctional automaticity foci fail, which automaticity foci will start pacemaking at what rate?
• What do the triplets on an EKG indicate about heart rate?
• What does atrial pacing primarily target in pacing situations?
• What is a bundle branch block?
• What is the effect of AV blocks on conduction signals?
• What does the presence of Q waves in the lateral leads (I and AVL) signify?
• Can PVCs depolarize the SA node and reset its rhythm?
• What is the typical appearance of a junctional rhythm on an EKG?
• In AV sequential pacing, which ventricles receive pacing signals?
• How does ventricular fibrillation appear on an EKG?
• What feature in lead AVR makes it unreliable for assessing significant Q waves?
• What is it called when there is a normal QRS pattern with an R, R' configuration?
• Which lead should not be used to check for significant Q waves during infarction analysis?
• What is the purpose of the I, II, and III leads in a 12 lead EKG?
• What can be inferred if there are many premature beats instead of just one from irritability affecting automaticity?
• Which leads are considered the left chest leads?
• What characteristic defines the placement of the chest lead V1?
• What is the appearance of significant Q waves in leads associated with anterior infarction?
• What does the P wave represent in an EKG?
• The chest leads lie in what anatomical plane?
• What is the "R on T" phenomenon?
• What does the presence of an R wave indicate on an EKG?
• What characteristic shape does the ST segment present in Brugada syndrome?
• What defines a bipolar limb lead?
• What is the typical function of the Bundle of His in the conduction system of the heart?
• What part of the heart is known as the pacemaker?
• Which of the following patient populations is multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) commonly seen in?
• What does ventricular depolarization initiate in the heart?
• What neurotransmitter do sympathetic boutons primarily secrete?
• What are the two types of second degree AV blocks?
• What normally follows after the P wave on an EKG?
• What is a characteristic feature of the T wave in left ventricular hypertrophy?
• Which rhythm is characterized by erratic electrical activity with no identifiable waves?
• What is the common name for PAT and PJT due to their origin above the ventricles?
• What EKG change is associated with hypocalcemia?
• What characterizes a capture beat during a V-tach?
• What is the clinical significance of identifying the pattern of QRS complexes?
• Which of the following best describes ventricular automaticity foci?
• What is defined as sinus arrest?
• What type of pacing is used in patients experiencing failure of the SA node?
• Why might aberrant conduction occur in the presence of a PAB?
• What normally suppresses the automaticity foci in the heart?
• What indicates a split S2 heart sound on an EKG?
• Which bifascicular block consists of RBBB and an anterior hemiblock?
• What effect does inspiration-activated sympathetic activity have on heart rate?
• What effect do heart blocks have on electrical conduction in the heart?
• What is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC)?
• What is the origin of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT)?
• What is the defining characteristic of a premature atrial beat (PAB) on an EKG?
• What is observed on EKG with PAT accompanied by AV block?
• What is the mechanism behind an atrial escape beat?
• What does significant Q waves and ST segment elevation in leads V1 and V2 typically indicate?
• What does intermittent Mobitz refer to?
• What is the flat line on an EKG between the P wave and QRS complex indicative of?
• Lead I in a 12 lead EKG measures the electrical activity between which two limbs?
• PVCs coupled to long series of normal cycles is called?
• What is the outcome of vasodilation in the case of neuro-cardiogenic syncope?
• What is indicated by the term “automaticity focus”?
• What is the typical QRS complex presentation on lead V1?
• What is often a clinical concern associated with multiple PVCs?
• What is junctional bigeminy characterized by?
• What does a QRS duration of less than 120ms indicate?
• Which leads are primarily affected by an inferior wall myocardial infarction?
• Which leads signify an inferior infarction when Q waves are present?
• How do you calculate heart rate using a 6 second strip?
• How does atrial bigeminy typically appear on an EKG?
• How should PVCs be assessed in a clinical context?
• Where are the 3 second marks located on an EKG tracing?
• What does hypokalemia typically look like on an EKG?
• What defines junctional trigeminy?
• Which lead is placed on the left arm in a 12 lead EKG?
• Which heart chamber is most likely to suffer a myocardial infarction?
• What do boutons cover?
• Which leads are best for assessing the left lateral wall of the heart?
• What is a common feature of both cardiac standstill and PEA?
• What is a hallmark characteristic of a ventricular escape beat on an EKG?
• What change occurs to the T wave in patients with hyperkalemia?
• Which finding is associated with acute ischemia on an EKG?
• How is the QRS complex traditionally presented on lead V6?
• What is a fusion beat on an EKG?
• What neurotransmitter is secreted by parasympathetic boutons?
• Which of the following best describes the placement of the aVL lead?
• How is the atrial rate typically categorized in wandering pacemaker rhythm?
• Which leads should be examined on an EKG if a bundle branch block is suspected?
• A premature junctional beat (PJB) typically depolarizes which part of the heart?
• What does a bundle branch block appear like on an EKG?
• How is the mean QRS vector determined?
• In a Wenckebach AV block, what is the pattern of P to QRS waves?
• What is the rate range of a junctional escape rhythm?
• What does the term "bipolar" in bipolar leads signify?
• What characterizes a Mobitz block?
• The QT interval is an indication of which phase of the cardiac cycle?
• In which direction does depolarization occur during ventricular depolarization?
• What is the rate range for paroxysmal tachycardia?
• What defines an escape rhythm?
• What will a posterior hemiblock look like on an EKG?
• On an EKG, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is characterized by which feature?
• What is neuro-cardiogenic syncope?
• What is indicated by the QRS complex in the EKG?
• What type of PVCs typically indicates an irritable focus?
• What will the EKG display in a patient with a heterotrophic heart transplant?
• Which of the following are classified as bipolar limb leads?
• Which of the following is NOT a pattern of retrograde atrial depolarization in junctional escape rhythm?
• What is the result of a parasympathetic response during neuro-cardiogenic syncope?
• Which of the following leads is placed on the left foot?
• What characteristic distinguishes the P waves in PAT when viewed on an EKG?
• What defines multifocal PVCs?
• In heart transplant patients with two SA nodes, which node acts as the dominant pacemaker?
• What is the intrinsic pacemaking rate of ventricular foci?
• When combining the depth of the S wave in V1 and the height of the R wave in V5, what total indicates left ventricular hypertrophy?
• How does the EKG appear in a patient taking quinidine?
• What is an indicator of a wide QRS complex on an EKG?
• Where can heart blocks occur in the conduction system?
• Where does paroxysmal junctional tachycardia (PJT) originate?
• What does isoelectric QRS in leads V5 and V6 suggest?
• What anatomical representation does the V2 lead provide in an EKG?
• What is ventricular parasystole?
• How is aberrant ventricular conduction best described?
• Where can automaticity foci be found in the heart?
• How does hypercalcemia manifest on EKG?
• What appearance does aberrant ventricular conduction have on an EKG?
• What happens to the ST segment with ventricular strain?
• What medications are known to potentially cause torsades de pointes?
• What is the significance of the term "unipolar" in relation to limb leads?
• What is ventricular trigeminy?
• What is the characteristic of multiphasic PVCs?
• What type of infarction is indicated by Q waves in leads V1, V2, V3, or V4?
• What areas of the heart are most sensitive to the effects of digitalis?
• What is the typical heart rate range for an atrial escape rhythm?
• What is the heart rate range for a ventricular escape rhythm?
• What distinguishing feature helps differentiate a 2:1 Wenckebach from a 2:1 Mobitz block on EKG?
• What type of QRS complexes are commonly produced in all leads in COPD patients?
• When does the wandering pacemaker rhythm become multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT)?
• What does sinus arrhythmia represent?
• Which type of escape rhythm results from AV node failure?
• What is an escape beat?
• What electrical event usually precedes atrial bigeminy?
• What is a common rate for atrial flutter?
• How does the width of the QRS complex differ between SVT with wide QRS and V-tach?
• What are the five basic principles for understanding an EKG?
• The right coronary artery supplies which of the following electrical tissues?
• In what order are the chest leads placed on a patient's chest?
• Which of the following is a common cause of torsades de pointes?
• What does a Q wave measuring at least one small square in width indicate?
• What rhythm is characterized by a varying P wave shape?
• Which is more common: SVT with wide QRS complexes or V-tach?
• What is a 6 second strip used for in EKG interpretation?
• If the SA node fails, which automaticity foci will initiate pacemaking?
• In lead V1, the QRS is normally described as _____ with a short _____.
• What type of block results from delayed depolarization in the right or left bundle branch?
• When the heart is hypertrophied, where is the mean QRS vector displaced?
• Which section of the EKG represents the electrical recovery of the ventricles?
• What is a major cause of premature ventricular beats?
• What does a continuous reentry circuit associated with AVNRT do?
• What clinical significance does the QT interval have when assessed?
• What does the aVF lead represent in a 12 lead EKG?
• What are the characteristic EKG changes associated with a pulmonary embolus?
• What can a significant ST segment deviation suggest?
• What are some causes of an irritable ventricular focus?
• Prinzmetal's angina can cause?
• What is the maximum adult heart rate for bradycardia?
• When does ventricular contraction (systole) start and end?
• What does paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia typically indicate?
• What causes tachyarrhythmias?
• Which patient symptoms might suggest sick sinus syndrome?
• In cases of right ventricular hypertrophy, how does the R wave typically change from V1 to V4?
• What might a single junctional escape beat produce on an EKG?
• What does ventricular bigeminy look like on EKG?
• A posterior hemiblock will cause which type of axis deviation?
• What is a hemiblock?
• Which of the following is NOT classified as an escape rhythm?
• What would be an EKG finding in a patient with a first-degree AV block?
• Which lead provides the best information about atrial enlargement and associated P wave differences?
• What can be seen on the EKG indicating slowed conduction velocity at the AV node?
• Which characterization best fits sustained ventricular tachycardia?
• What would a ventricular focus third degree AV block look like on an EKG?
• Which condition is associated with the "R on T" phenomenon?
• Which lead is most effective for determining anterior and posterior infarction of the left ventricle?
• What heart rate is typically associated with atrial fibrillation?
• What effect does expiration have on the SA node?
• Which structures make up the atrial conduction system?
• When is it usually invalid to diagnose an infarct using an EKG?
• How are automaticity foci typically described in terms of electrical activity?
• What does junctional trigeminy look like on an EKG?
• What EKG finding is typically associated with pericarditis?
• What is the typical rate range for atrial flutter?
• Which condition is characterized by the absence of P waves?
• How does a flat, depressed ST segment appear in relation to a subendocardial infarction?
• If the QRS complexes in leads V1 and V2 become isoelectric, what does it indicate?
• What is the effect of a complete bundle branch block on ventricular contraction?
• What condition is suggested by a QRS that is negative in lead I and negative in lead AVF?
• What findings on an EKG would point towards myocardial injury?