AMCA Electrocardiogram (EKG) Practice Exam

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• A flat line going across the ECG screen is referred to as what?
• In Lead II, the positive electrode is positioned on which part of the body?
• Which of the following is the best method for calculating the heart rate in an irregular rhythm?
• What term describes the act of touching a person's body without their consent?
• What type of ECG change is typically associated with hypokalemia?
• What is the earliest sign of myocardial infarction on an EKG tracing?
• What prefix indicates a decrease or low condition?
• Myocardial ischemia is also known as?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of the patient who is said to be in asystole?
• What is the method used to calculate an irregular heart rhythm?
• What is the name of the most superficial layer of the heart made up of simple squamous epithelial tissue?
• What should a medical professional look for when monitoring an EKG during a stress test?
• When charting an EKG, which of the following is most important to document?
• When charging an EKG, which of the following is most important to document?
• Which of the following waveforms comes after the T wave and is visible on an EKG strip?
• Nitroglycerin should not be used if a patient is also taking medication to treat which of the following conditions?
• What does an atrial flutter rhythm strip signify?
• What does a flat T wave potentially indicate?
• What does the presence of a U wave on an EKG commonly indicate?
• What is the significance of proper electrode placement in EKG interpretation?
• What is the intrinsic firing rate of the AV node?
• Which arteries primarily supply blood to the heart muscle itself?
• What medical condition can result in weakened heart muscle?
• What role does the SA node play in the heart?
• Which rhythm strip corresponds to ventricular tachycardia?
• What role does the ST segment play in an ECG reading?
• What is the name for a space between the ribs?
• What physiological process do ACE inhibitors primarily disrupt?
• Which test does not allow for the calculation of the cardiac ejection fraction?
• What are normal characteristics of the T wave in an EKG?
• What part of the EKG waveform does the ST segment represent?
• Which heart layer directly covers the heart's outer surface?
• Which type of heart block is indicated by a progressive prolongation of the PR interval until QRS drops?
• What percentage of blood coming into the ventricles flows passively through the aorta?
• During diastole, what occurs in the heart?
• In an ECG, what do horizontal lines measure?
• Premature atrial complexes can often be caused by which factor?
• Each large square in the EKG graph paper represents how much time?
• What can cause a false positive in a stress test?
• When a patient's heart rhythm speeds up and slows down in a rhythmic pattern, how is this described?
• Which electrical event in the heart is primarily responsible for ventricular contraction?
• What body position is best for performing an EKG on a healthy patient?
• What instruction should be given to a patient preparing to wear a Holter monitor?
• What does the U wave represent on an ECG?
• What does the impulse traveling through the His-Purkinje system generate on the ECG?
• What may tall and symmetrically peaked P waves indicate?
• What does a P wave represent in an electrocardiogram?
• What is the name of the blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the body?
• What is a Q wave?
• What is the significance of observing an increased heart rate during the ECG?
• What is another name for an exercise ECG that may be ordered when no abnormalities show during a resting ECG?
• What is usually the cause of interrupted baseline artifact?
• Which symptom is commonly associated with arrhythmias?
• Which EKG finding is commonly associated with myocardial infarction?
• In EKG interpretation, what does the J point indicate?
• What type of irregularity involves a rhythm that speeds up and slows down in a rhythmic fashion?
• Each small square in the EKG graph paper represents how much time?
• What is echocardiography?
• The heart receives most of its blood supply via what vessels?
• What should be ensured regarding ECG electrodes?
• What does a normal sinus rhythm indicate about a patient's heart function?
• Which of the following functions of the left ventricle is NOT a phase in the cardiac cycle?
• What does a flat line on an EKG strip usually indicate?
• What is it called when the heart is located on the right side of the thoracic cavity?
• What occurs when electrical impulses originate from the foci of the atrium?
• What is the name of the device commonly used to display waveforms in cardiac monitoring?
• When preparing a patient with fragile skin for telemetry monitoring, which measure should an EKG technician take?
• What is counted to obtain an atrial rate?
• Which EKG finding is associated with ventricular repolarization?
• In an asymptomatic patient with normal sinus rhythm and a heart rate of 98 bpm, what is the best course of action during an ECG?
• What is the primary purpose of monitoring a patient during an ECG?
• What is the name of the heart disease in which coronary arteries are blocked and cell death occurs?
• In what position should a patient be placed when an ECG is performed?
• Which medication is commonly prescribed to help manage atrial fibrillation?
• Which of the following describes the function of the pericardial sac?
• Atrial fibrillation is characterized by what feature?
• What is the purpose of the P wave in an ECG?
• What type of wave is primarily responsible for the depolarization of the atria?
• What should patients do to ensure the efficacy of their nitroglycerin medication?
• Which blood vessel is involved in transporting deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
• A patient must undress from the waist up and put on a gown. What else is the patient instructed to do?
• What is a holter monitor also known as?
• Which statement accurately describes the timing represented by the ECG paper?
• What does dysrhythmia refer to?
• Which electrical activity occurs just before the ventricles contract?
• If a patient is in asystole, what would be the characteristic finding?
• The heart valves that separate the atria from the ventricles are called?
• Which term refers to the period when the heart is relaxed and involves repolarization?
• What is the primary purpose of an EKG?
• Which condition can result in ST segment elevation on an EKG?
• What does the R-Wave represent in the EKG?
• How can a patient taking nitroglycerin sublingually for angina determine if their medication has lost strength?
• Which of the following terms correctly describes an enlarged heart?
• What does the T wave represent on an EKG strip?
• What can be inferred if an EKG shows signs of bradycardia?
• Which ECG limb lead does not record any electrical activity from the heart?
• What serves as a reference point for identifying the changing electrical impulse on an EKG?
• Where do premature atrial complexes originate from in the heart?
• What detects the heart's electrical activity on the patient's skin?
• Which part of the nervous system includes the cardio accelerator center?
• Which condition is commonly treated with hydrochlorothiazide?
• Which heart sound is associated with mitral valve closure?
• What is used as a reference point to identify the changing electrical amplitude?
• Which of the following is a recommended practice for assisting patients with their needs?
• What denotes atrial depolarization on an ECG?
• Which waveforms are indicated by the two arrows in a standard EKG?
• What category of antihypertensive medications causes vasodilation and blocks aldosterone secretion?
• Making false statements orally is known as what?
• Which electrode placement is crucial for minimizing interference during an EKG?
• Where is the mitral valve located?
• What is the term for the point where the QRS complex meets the ST segment?
• What critical priority action should be taken for a patient in asystole?
• Which node is known as the pacemaker of the heart?
• What layer of the heart is primarily responsible for pumping action?
• How should skin be prepared for EKG lead placement on a patient with sensitive skin?
• What ECG wave reflects atrial depolarization?
• What term describes two premature ventricular contractions occurring consecutively?
• Where would an EKG technician place the V6 chest lead?
• What is the function of the right ventricle?
• What is the anatomical term for the breastbone?
• What does the QRS complex represent on an EKG?
• Which heart rhythm disorder often results from a failure in the conduction system?
• Which wave is typically associated with ventricular repolarization?
• A patient with atrial fibrillation will show what characteristic on an ECG?
• Which substance is most commonly known for inhibiting blood clot formation?
• Which part of the body is Narcan administered to block or reverse the side effects of opioid medications?
• Which medication is commonly used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose?
• Before placing electrodes on a patient's body, what should be done if hair is covering the area to be shaved?
• Which blood vessel brings deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs?
• Where do premature atrial complexes originate?
• What characteristic does a normal QRS complex have in an ECG?
• What is the main function of the aorta in the circulatory system?
• What is the term for the process of the heart muscle returning to its resting state?
• From where does the electrical impulse that initiates the heartbeat originate?
• In leads I, II, III, aVL, and V4 through V6, the deflection of the QRS is?
• The regulation of heart rate and electrical conduction speed is primarily influenced by which part of the nervous system?
• The PR interval gradually lengthens in which condition?
• Which ECG limb lead represents the right leg?
• What is the main function of the SA node in the heart?
• Which layer of the heart lines the chambers and valves?
• Which over-the-counter medication can be very effective as an antiplatelet?
• What type of electrode placement is commonly used in patients with significant skin irritation?
• During which mechanical event of the cardiac cycle is the second heart sound produced?
• What is the normal range for heart rate in adults?
• What is the medical term for the event when two PVCs occur consecutively?
• What occurs when electrical impulses come from multiple foci in the atrium?
• Which of the following types of waves are used when calculating heart rate using the 300 method?
• What type of waveform is produced when an electrical current travels toward a positive electrode?
• What is cardiac output equal to?
• What does the term automaticity refer to in cardiac physiology?
• What does a long PR interval on an EKG suggest?
• When imaging from the suprasternal notch, which structure is typically the first to be seen?
• What is represented by a small square running horizontally on an EKG strip?
• Which heart structure is involved when discussing premature atrial complexes?
• A regular rhythm can be defined as:
• How do medications that are statins work?
• Which preparation method maximizes the success of an ECG recording?
• What condition is characterized by an electrical disturbance in the heart leading to a rapid heart rate?
• What is the typical duration of a normal PR interval?
• When preparing a patient with fragile skin for telemetry monitoring, which measure should an EKG technician take?
• What takes place as a result of myocardial infarction?
• What is the primary function of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart?
• Which of the following describes the PR intervals on a second degree AV heart block, Type I?
• What is produced by the initiation of an impulse in the SA node?
• Which of the following describes the heart rate when a person is experiencing atrial fibrillation?
• What condition could lead to a prolonged PR interval on an EKG?
• What does the electrocardiogram measure?
• What is the normal duration range for a QRS complex on an EKG strip?
• Which action occurs during ventricular systole?
• Which type of aortic dissection occurs when the dissection originates in the ascending aorta?
• What type of circulation is associated with the right side of the heart?
• Which of the following topics would not typically be addressed in exam preparation for EKGs?
• What is termed the circulation of blood to all organs of the body systems?
• What does the T wave represent in an EKG reading?
• Which part of the EKG tracing represents the atrial depolarization?
• What kind of treatment is typically necessary for a patient in ventricular tachycardia?
• P waves resulting from impulses that originate outside the SA node are called?
• Which arrhythmia is characterized by a persistently fast heart rate with varying intervals?
• What condition may result in tall and symmetrically peaked P waves?
• What does the P wave on an EKG represent?
• Which valves are closing during the first heart sound?
• Which lead is considered the primary lead for monitoring heart rhythm?
• What is the name of the wall that separates the two superior chambers of the heart?
• Which of the following applies to premature ventricular complexes (PVCs)?
• An idioventricular rhythm is characterized by a heart rate of what range?
• During a heart attack, which area is primarily affected when blood flow is blocked?
• Which lead in an ECG is typically used to monitor cardiac rhythm?
• Which over-the-counter medication is known to be an effective antiplatelet?
• What does the prefix "gastro" refer to in medical terminology?
• What part of the patient’s medical history includes their lifestyle and health habits?
• In which scenario may the PR Interval vary from beat to beat?
• What physiological change is associated with a gradual increase in heart rate during sinus arrhythmia?
• Which of the following PHI can be disclosed by the medical office without the patient's permission?
• Where is the V2 electrode located on the patient?
• When observing P waves in an EKG strip, what should be assessed?
• Which action occurs during ventricular asystole?
• Which type of arrhythmia is characterized by premature contractions originating from the atrium?
• A patient in the emergency room presents with an irregular heartbeat and a blood pressure of 160/92 mmHg. Which of the following best describes the patient's condition?
• What is the name of the three-leaflet valve situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle?
• What type of leads are augmented leads?
• Which rhythm strip is indicative of atrial fibrillation?
• Which heart condition is characterized by episodes of chest pain due to insufficient blood flow?
• What is the normal duration of a QRS complex?
• What is the myocardium?
• What is referred to as systole in cardiac muscle function?
• What is the medical term for a rhythm characterized by three or more consecutive premature ventricular contractions?
• What refers to the period in which the mechanical and electrical events of the heart are relaxed and involves repolarization?
• What is the primary function of Lidocaine in a medical setting?
• If a patient has a limb amputated, where would the electrode be placed?
• During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the coronary arteries fill?
• Where is the positive electrode positioned in Lead II in an EKG?
• What does the Q wave represent in an ECG?
• Which of the following should NOT be included when charting an EKG procedure?
• Which cardiovascular medication is known to reduce resistance in blood vessels?
• Which heart layer is responsible for the heart's muscular contractions?
• What role does the oscilloscope play in cardiac monitoring?
• What is indicated by the presence of Q waves on an EKG strip?
• What happens during depolarization in cardiac cells?
• How tall is a standardization mark on an EKG?
• Which of the following lists the three layers of the heart?
• What should a patient regularly taking digoxin for heart failure be instructed to do?
• Which chamber of the heart is the most muscular and responsible for pumping blood into the aorta?
• Which electrolyte imbalance can affect heart rhythm and is often checked during an EKG?
• Who is required to be present during a stress test?
• Which of the following is an antihypertensive medication?
• What category of antihypertensive medications causes vasodilation, blocks aldosterone secretion, and increases urine output?
• Which of the following represents the correct electrical conduction pathway in the heart?
• What is an EKG indicator of a patient undergoing ventricular fibrillation?
• What is the typical EKG change seen in a patient with hypokalemia?
• What can prevent electrodes from being placed in their usual location?
• What term refers to "pain associated with the heart"?
• Which electrical activity does a P wave represent?
• Lead III in the EKG measures from which electrodes?
• What is a critical step in preparing patients for telemetry monitoring?
• What does the QRS complex represent in an ECG?
• During stress testing, a patient's blood pressure abruptly drops to 80/60 mmHg. What should an EKG technician do?
• Which valve separates the left atrium and the left ventricle?
• Which of the following is a common indication of heart failure on an EKG?
• Which rhythm is depicted as a medical emergency on the EKG strip?
• What is a common side effect of using Lidocaine for arrhythmias?
• Which type of EKG analysis evaluates the electrical activity of the heart over a longer period?
• How do statin medications function in relation to heart health?
• Which characteristics are true for premature ventricular complexes?
• An R on T PVC occurs?
• Which lead is considered to be grounded?
• Which arrhythmia is typically represented on an EKG strip as first degree heart block?
• When a technician suspects a patient is experiencing an ischemic event, which part of the EKG tracing is critical for examination?
• Where may shorter than normal PR intervals be seen?
• Where are the limb leads placed during an EKG?
• What is the third step in analyzing an ECG?
• What is the significance of the ST segment on an EKG?
• Which vegetable is noted as a good source of vitamin K?
• Pre-excitation produces a characteristically abnormal amount of which wave and short PR interval?
• What is the most superficial layer of the heart that is made up of simple squamous epithelial tissue called?
• What is the name of the point where the QRS complex meets the ST segment during an EKG?
• The space between the ribs is known as?
• Which medication can be used as a local anesthetic and as a first-line anti-arrhythmic for treating acute life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia?
• Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle?
• In a 12-lead EKG, which leads are placed at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line and at the same level as the mid axillary line?
• What does the vertical line on an ECG strip represent?
• What is a transient ischemic attack commonly referred to as?
• The electrical impulse that initiates the heartbeat typically originates from the?
• Which ventricular rhythm is considered life-threatening and requires immediate intervention?
• What is the deflection of the QRS complex like in leads I, II, III, aVL, aVF, V4 to V6?
• When preparing a patient to wear a Holter monitor, what should you instruct the patient to do?
• Where is the chest electrode V2 located?
• When discussing risk factors for atherosclerosis with a patient, which factors should be included?
• What is a common cause of atrial fibrillation?
• A dysfunction in which of the following is associated with an abnormal sinus tachycardia?
• In which segment of an EKG do you look for the J point?
• What is the name of the blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the body?
• What structure is known as the skeleton of the heart?
• Which option is a common treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
• Junctional tachycardia is characterized by which of the following?
• What is the contraction phase of the heartbeat called?
• What is the name for a P wave that results from impulses that originate outside the SA node?
• What is NOT a reason to ask a patient for permission before shaving for electrode placement?
• What is a common cause for ST segment elevation on an EKG?
• What term refers to damage to a layer of the heart muscle?
• What is another name for mini strokes?
• What term describes an abnormal heart rhythm?
• What device is used to mark the ECG paper?
• In which situation will the QRS complex typically have a higher amplitude?
• Which evaluation process indicates that a teaching plan is effective?
• What does a ventricular fibrillation rhythm strip indicate?
• What does an elevated ST segment typically indicate?
• What vital sign should NOT be taken if a patient presents with chest pain?
• What does diastole refer to in the cardiac cycle?
• When placing electrodes on a patient's chest, arms, and legs, what should be done if the patient has a lot of hair covering their body?
• If a patient has an amputated limb, where should the electrode be placed?
• Which wall separates the two superior chambers of the heart?
• What class of medication generally lowers overall resistance in vascular beds?
• Which EKG component indicates electrical activity preceding ventricular contraction?
• What does a prolonged QT interval potentially indicate?
• Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the absence of what feature on an ECG?
• What is a potential sign that nitroglycerin is still effective for a patient?
• What is the appropriate reading level for writing patient information for an EKG?
• What indicates that the heart is in the relaxation phase of the heartbeat?
• What part of the heart's electrical conduction system initiates the contraction of both atria?
• What term refers to the volume of blood in the ventricles at the end of filling?
• What is the most accurate method for measuring heart rate?
• Which of the following conditions can result in atrial fibrillation?
• Which medication can be used as both a local anesthetic and an antiarrhythmic for treating acute life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias?
• What is the primary function of the atria in the heart?
• What wave represents ventricular repolarization in an ECG?
• What is the correct compression to ventilation ratio for 1-rescuer CPR?
• What is the correct prefix for excessive or high?
• Which heart condition is characterized by a fast and irregular heartbeat?