2022 EKG Review

Which of the following abnormalities is associated with large U waves on the EKG?

• Increased sodium level

• Increased potassium level

• Decreased sodium level

• Decreased potassium level

Answer explanation

A decreased potassium level causes U waves to become visible on the EKG

A PCT has just obtained a 12-lead EKG from a patient. When should the technician clean and disinfect reusable EKG equipment?

• At the end of each day

• Immediately after each patient

• At the beginning of each shift

• Once per week

Answer explanation

Immediately after obtaining an EKG for a patient the technician should clean the leads, the lead wires, and the EKG machine, wiping the cables and electrode clips with a disinfectant. If the patient had a known infectious disease the technician should follow any additional procedures the facility recommends for disinfection.

A patient presents alert and oriented, but a PCT finds that all the waveforms are negative in Lead I. The technician should check the cable connections for which of the following limb electrodes?

• Left leg and right leg

• Left arm and left leg

• Right arm and left leg

• Right arm and left arm

Answer explanation

The right arm and left arm electrodes form Lead I. The cable connections might be reversed which can cause negative waveforms

Which of the following findings on the tracing below should the PCT be most concerned with?

• Irregular rhythym

• ST segment elevation

• OT interval

• The variable shape of the P waves

Answer explanation

ST segments are a signs of an acute myocardial infarction. The technician should show the EKG to the patient's provider as soon as possible

A PCT is teaching a patient how to use a Holter monitor. Which of the following statements should the technician include?

• Record all activities and symptoms in a diary only if you are having chest pain

• Metal detectors should be avoided when wearing the monitor

• Stop using prescribed medications while the monior is in use

• Showering is allowed while wearing the monitor

Answer explanation

The technician should advise the patient to avoid high voltage, magnets, and metal detectors

Which of the following EKG findings differentiates accelerated atrioventricular rhythm from junctional rhythm?

• Accelerated idioventricular rhythm has P waves

• The ventricular rate in accelerated idioventricular rhythm is equal to or greater than the rate of junctional rhythm

• junctional rhythm has P waves

• Accelerated idioventricular rhythmand junctional rhythm is the presence of wide QRS complexes in accelerated atrioventricular rhythm

Answer explanation

The only difference between accelerated idioventricular rhythm and junctional rhythm is the presence of wide QRS complexes in accelerated idioventricular rhythm

A PCT should identify that which of the following settings adjust the height of the EKG waveform on a tracing?

• Gain control

• Speed control

• Stylus

• Lead selectpr

Identify the rhythm tracing

• Multifocal atrial tachycardia

• atrial fibrillation

• wandering atrial pacemaker

• Atrial flutter with variable conduction

Answer explanation

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by the absence of P waves, an irregular rhythm and a ventricular rate of 60-100