NHA EKG Practice Test 1 - Flash Cards

Front

What is increased Vagal Tone?

Back

Increased vagal tone means the vagus nerve is more active in regulating heart rate. This leads to a slower resting heart rate and greater variability in the time between heartbeats (HRV). 

Greater variability in the time between heartbeats, also known as high Heart Rate Variability (HRV), generally indicates a healthy and adaptable cardiovascular system. It suggests the body can effectively respond to and recover from various physical and mental stressors.

Conversely, low HRV, or less variability, may signal a less adaptable system and could be associated with increased risk of health issues, including heart problems.

Front

What is the difference between Atrial Fibrillation and Ventricular Fibrillation?

Back

Atrial Fibrillation has an Irregularly Irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves, and the QRS complexes are normal (narrow) and occur irregularly.

Ventricular Fibrillation shows rapid, chaotic and irregular rhythm with no identifiable QRS complexes (not the regular QRS complexes seen in AF).

Front

Identify the following leads:

1. 1. Lead I

2. 2. Lead II

3. 3. Lead III

Back

Lead I = RA LA

Lead II = RA LL

Lead III = LA LL

Front

What does Atropine do to the heart?

Back

Atropine primarily works on the heart by blocking the effects of the vagus nerve, a part of the parasympathetic nervous system that slows down the heart rate. By inhibiting the vagus nerve's influence, atropine increases the heart rate and improves cardiac output.

Front

What is a second-degree type II AV Block most often associated with?

Back

Is most often associated with structural damage to the conduction system of the heart, particularly due to an inferior wall myocardial infarction.

Front

What is the Valsalva maneuver?

Back

A breathing technique where you exhale forcefully against a closed airway, typically by closing your mouth and nose and straining as if trying to pass a bowel movement.

This action increases pressure inside your chest cavity and can have several effects on your body, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure. It's used in various medical contexts, such as helping to regulate heart rhythm and equalizing ear pressure.

Front

In the context of the heart, what is Adenosine typically used for?

Back

Adenosine is primarily used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a type of abnormally fast heart rhythm.

It works by temporarily blocking the electrical signals going through the AV node, which helps slow down the heart rate and restore normal rhythm.

Front

What is Cardioversion?

Back

a medical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals with abnormal heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias.

It involves delivering electrical shocks or medications to the heart to reset its rhythm to a normal pattern. 

Front

In the context of the heart, what does Amiodarone do?

Back

Amiodarone is a medication primarily used to treat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias.

It slows down the heart.

It's usually used after other meds/treatment have been ineffective.

This medication has long lasting effects, so patients must take with caution.

Front

What does a right bundle branch block (RBBB) look like on the EKG ?

Back

1. 1. Wide QRS complex (greater than 120 ms).

2. 2. Slurred S wave in leads I and V6.

3. 3. A secondary R wave in lead V1; making it look like bunny ears.

All these reflect a delayed depolarization of the right ventricle.