EKG PRACTICE EXAM

Front

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institute of Health, what value is the definition of high blood pressure? Options: Systolic pressure of 180 mm Hg or greater, Diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg or greater, Systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater, Systolic pressure of 125 mm Hg or greater

Back

Systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater

Answer explanation

Correct answer: Systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater

The definition of high blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or greater.

Pre-hypertension is considered greater than 120 mm Hg. When systolic pressure reaches over 180 mm Hg, this is defined as a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency.

Front

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was passed by Congress for what purpose?

Back

To ensure the privacy and protection of personal health information

Answer explanation

Correct answer: To ensure the privacy and protection of personal health information 

HIPAA was passed by Congress to ensure that every person's health records remain private and secure by all entities, including hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies. 

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was passed to ensure that a person who enters any emergency department is stabilized and treated, regardless of their ability to pay. The FDA oversees the Institutional Review Board (IRB) by monitoring clinical research trials and ensuring participants are protected. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act was passed in 2009 to promote the expansion of IT in health care, such as the use of EMRs in all medical practices.

Front

What refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is at rest and filling with blood?

Back

Diastolic pressure

Front

Which of the following is not an appropriate place to take a patient's temperature? Axillary, Between the fingers, Rectally, Orally

Back

Between the fingers

Front

Which of the following should be taught to a patient in preparation for a stress test?
Hold all medications,
Avoid caffeinated beverages before the test,
Do not eat at least eight hours prior to the test,
Ask females to wear loose-fitting bras

Back

Avoid caffeinated beverages before the test

Answer explanation

Correct answer: Avoid caffeinated beverages before the test

Preparation for a stress test includes the following: 

advise females to wear a bra to avoid artifact

wear loose, comfortable clothing with walking shoes

avoid eating a large meal at least four hours prior to the test 

continue scheduled medications unless instructed differently by the physician

Front

Which of the following organizations is not subject to the HIPAA privacy rule? A third-party accounting firm hired by a clinic, Child Protective Services (CPS), A company hired by the hospital to process patient claims, Lawyers that represent a healthcare system

Back

Child Protective Services (CPS)

Answer explanation

Correct answer: Child Protective Services (CPS)

In addition to covered entities (HMOs, physicians, hospitals), the Privacy Rule extends to business associates of the covered entities. Business associates require access to medical records to do their job and, therefore, are subject to the privacy rule. Examples of business associates are outside lawyers, third-party billing companies, and companies that administer healthcare plans. 

Certain agencies are not subject to the Privacy Rule, including law enforcement, employers, school districts, municipal offices, and state agencies (e.g., CPS).

Front

In what scenario can a provider open the medical record of a patient seen by an associate? Options: If the provider becomes a part of the treatment team, If the provider's associate loses their password and needs to open the patient's chart, By association with the other provider, they are allowed to access this record anytime, The provider can never access this record

Back

If the provider becomes a part of the treatment team

Front

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was passed into law in what year?

Back

1996

Front

Which of the following is the correct way to assess a patient's pulse rate? Options: Using your first and second fingertips, apply pressure over the radial artery, count the pulses for 30 seconds, and divide that number by two, Using your first and second fingertips, apply pressure over the antecubital space and count the number of pulses for 60 seconds, Using your thumb, apply pressure over the radial artery and count the number of pulses for 60 seconds, Using your first and second fingertips, apply pressure over the radial artery and count the number of pulses for 60 seconds

Back

Using your first and second fingertips, apply pressure over the radial artery and count the number of pulses for 60 seconds

Front

What is the definition of blood pressure?

Back

The force of the blood pushing against the arterial walls