WorksheetsHealth Science Theory Midterm Fall 2025
Total questions: 50
Worksheet time: 25mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
Which of the following is WITHIN the scope of practice for an ECG technician?
a)
Determining when a patient should get an electrocardiogram performed
b)
Administering medications to patients experiencing chest pain.
c)
Diagnosing cardiac conditions
d)
Properly placing electrodes and operating an ECG machine to record a patient's heart rhythm.
2.
Which of the following is OUTSIDE the scope of practice for an ECG technician?
a)
Interpreting the clinical significance of a patient's ECG.
b)
Performing routine maintenance on ECG equipment.
c)
Educating patients on the ECG procedure.
d)
Applying stress test electrodes.
3.
A medical assistant is setting up a patient with an Event monitor in a busy hallway due to lack of a private room. To adhere to HIPAA guidelines, what is the most appropriate action the technician must take?
a)
Write all instructions down and avoid any verbal communication to ensure confidentiality.
b)
Perform the setup in the hallway but use a low, discreet voice to provide instructions and review the patient's record.
c)
Speak loudly so the patient can hear instructions over the noise of the hallway.
d)
Require the patient to sign an additional waiver acknowledging the lack of privacy.
4.
After completing a 12-lead ECG, the patient asks the medical assistant, 'What do my results mean? Do I have a heart condition?' What is the most appropriate response?
a)
Tell the patient that all results must be reviewed and interpreted by the physician, who will discuss them during their consultation.
b)
Refer them to the nurse, as interpretation is their responsibility.
c)
Briefly interpret the rhythm as normal or abnormal to reassure the patient.
d)
State that you only perform the test and cannot look at the results.
5.
Before attaching a Holter monitor, the medical assistant explains the procedure, the expected duration, and the need for a symptom diary. This action satisfies the requirement for:
a)
Informed consent
b)
Advanced directive
c)
Written consent
d)
Implied consent
6.
Which of the following is the MOST important factor when verifying a patient's identity before an ECG procedure?
a)
Confirming the patient's first and last name
b)
Checking that the patient's name and date of birth match their medical records or wristband
c)
Asking the patient to provide their social security number
d)
Checking the patient's insurance provider
7.
During the patient intake for an ECG, a patient states "I'm really worried about this test." Which of the following responses is BEST?
a)
"Don't worry, it's just a routine ECG. You'll be in and out in no time."
b)
"I understand. Many people feel a little anxious, but I'll explain everything step by step."
c)
"There's nothing to be afraid of. Just relax. It'll be over before you know it."
d)
"What is so scary about the test?"
8.
A medical assistant is preparing to perform a routine 12-lead ECG on a patient who has no known communicable diseases. Which Standard Precaution is the most important to perform immediately before touching the patient?
a)
Donning a fluid-resistant gown.
b)
Performing hand hygiene (handwashing or using alcohol-based sanitizer).
c)
Disinfecting the entire ECG machine surface.
d)
Placing a mask on the patient.
9.
A patient is placed on Contact Precautions due to an active MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection. What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for the medical assistant before entering the room to perform a routine ECG?
a)
Donning a gown and gloves.
b)
No specific PPE is required, but hand hygiene must be meticulous.
c)
N95 respirator and sterile gloves.
d)
Surgical mask and eye protection only.
10.
Which link in the Chain of Infection is broken when a medical assistant properly cleans the ECG lead wires with an approved disinfectant wipe between patients?
a)
Causative Agent
b)
Susceptible Host
c)
Mode of Transmission
d)
Portal of Entry
11.
A patient is suspected of having active pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) and is on Airborne Precautions. Which type of PPE is mandatory for the medical assistant to wear when performing an ECG in this patient's negative pressure room?
a)
A surgical face mask.
b)
Standard procedure gloves and a gown.
c)
An N95 or higher-rated particulate respirator.
d)
A face shield and standard safety glasses.
12.
A medical assistant is preparing to enter a patient's room for an ECG that requires Droplet Precautions. What is the correct sequence for **donning** (putting on) the required PPE?
a)
Gown, Mask, Eye Protection (if needed), Gloves
b)
Mask, Hand Hygiene, Gown, Gloves
c)
Mask, Gloves, Gown
d)
Gloves, Gown, Mask
13.
Which scenario best exemplifies a failure in the 'Reservoir' link of the Chain of Infection in an ECG setting?
a)
The ECG electrodes are accidentally placed on broken skin.
b)
A reusable ECG cable is not cleaned properly after use on a highly infectious patient.
c)
The medical assistant fails to wash their hands after the procedure.
d)
The patient has a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy.
14.
A medical assistant is performing an ECG on a patient who starts coughing forcefully. The assistant is wearing a surgical mask and glasses. The coughing is an example of which link in the Chain of Infection?
a)
Reservoir
b)
Portal of Exit
c)
Portal of Entry
d)
Susceptible Host
15.
A patient suddenly begins breathing at a rate of 35 breaths per minute, with deep and rapid respirations. This pattern is characteristic of:
a)
Apnea
b)
Bradypnea
c)
Hypoventilation
d)
Hyperventilation
16.
A patient registers a temperature of 96.0°F (35.6°C). Which term best describes this condition?
a)
Hyperthermia
b)
Afebrile
c)
Hypothermia
d)
Pyrexia
17.
The accuracy of a pulse oximetry (SpO2) reading can be negatively affected by which of the following patient conditions?
a)
Recent physical exercise
b)
Poor peripheral circulation
c)
Hypertnsion
d)
Fever and high heart rate
18.
Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for a non-verbal 4-year-old child?
a)
The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) Scale
b)
The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale
c)
The PQRST Method
d)
The Numeric Rating Scale (0−10)
19.
A patient's chart shows a resting heart rate of 115 beats per minute (bpm) and a respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute. Which pair of terms correctly describes these two vital signs?
a)
Tachycardia and Bradypnea
b)
Bradycardia and Eupnea
c)
Tachycardia and Tachypnea
d)
Bradycardia and Apnea
20.
A patient's blood pressure is measured at 142/96 mmHg. According to current guidelines, this reading falls into which category?
a)
Stage 1 Hypertension
b)
Normal
c)
Elevated
d)
Stage 2 Hypertension
21.
Which of the following temperature sites is considered the most accurate representation of a patient’s core body temperature?
a)
Rectal
b)
Temporal
c)
Oral
d)
Axillary
22.
The heart is composed of 4 chambers: the _____ are in the top, while the _____ are at the bottom.
a)
Ventricles, Atria
b)
Artery, Vein
c)
Atria, Ventricles
d)
Vein, Artery
23.
What is the primary function of heart valves in the circulatory system?
a)
To prevent blood from flowing backwards
b)
To prevent blood from mixing
c)
To separate the right and left side of the heart
d)
To help oxygenate blood
24.
_____ carry blood AWAY from the heart and _____ carry blood TOWARDS the heart.
a)
Veins, Arteries
b)
Capillaries, Veins
c)
Arteries, Capillaries
d)
Arteries, Veins
25.
Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium?
a)
Aorta
b)
Pulmonary veins
c)
Superior vena cava
d)
Pulmonary artery
26.
Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body through the superior & inferior vena cavas?
a)
Right Ventricle
b)
Right Atrium
c)
Left Atrium
d)
Left Ventricle
27.
Which blood vessel carries oxygenated blood out of the heart during systemic circulation?
a)
Pulmonary Vein
b)
Aorta
c)
Pulmonary Artery
d)
Inferior Vena Cava
28.
The coronary arteries are responsible for:
a)
Carrying blood to the lungs.
b)
Supplying the heart muscle with oxygenated blood.
c)
Returning deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.
d)
Carrying oxygenated blood to the body.
29.
Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of an ECG?
a)
To visualize the physical structure of the heart chambers and valves.
b)
To measure the blood flow through the coronary arteries.
c)
To record the electrical activity of the heart.
d)
To assess the pumping efficiency of the heart muscle.
30.
Which of the following best describes how an ECG works?
a)
It detects and amplifies the tiny electrical signals produced by the heart muscle.
b)
It uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.
c)
It measures the pressure of blood within the heart chambers.
d)
It uses X-rays to visualize the heart and surrounding structures.
31.
An ECG can help detect which of the following conditions?
a)
Pneumonia
b)
Arrhythmias
c)
Diabetes mellitus
d)
Osteoporosis
32.
A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is characterized by:
a)
Temporary chest pain relieved by rest.
b)
Irregular heartbeats that may or may not cause symptoms.
c)
Death of heart muscle tissue due to prolonged ischemia.
d)
Elevated potassium levels in the blood.
33.
Which of the following symptoms could indicate a possible heart attack, requiring an ECG?
a)
Sudden, severe headache
b)
Sharp, localized back pain
c)
Chest tightness, nausea, and sweating
d)
Frequent sore throat
34.
Why is alcohol prep used before applying ECG electrodes?
a)
To disinfect the skin and improve electrode contact
b)
To help reduce the pain during the procedure
c)
To cool down the skin for more accurate readings
d)
To measure the heart’s electrical conductivity
35.
What is the role of the lead wires in an ECG
a)
To transmit the electrical signals from the electrodes to the ECG machine
b)
To hold the electrodes in place on the patient's body
c)
To measure the patient's blood pressure
d)
To deliver electrical shocks to the heart
36.
An ECG technician is preparing a patient for an exercise stress test. Which of the following describes the correct lead placement for this procedure?
a)
Limb leads are placed on the torso
b)
Limb leads are not used for exercise stress testing
c)
Precordial leads are not used for exercise stress test
d)
Lead placement is the same as for a standard 12 lead ecg
37.
If a patient has difficulty lying flat due to breathing issues, which adjustment should you make to ensure accurate ECG readings?
a)
Move the electrodes closer to the torso
b)
Position them in a semi-Fowler’s position (head elevated at a 30–45 degree angle)
c)
Stand them up and proceed with the test
d)
Ask the patient to lay in the supine position
38.
While you perform a 12 lead ecg, which color lead wire would be attached at the 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line?
a)
Yellow
b)
Orange
c)
Green
d)
Blue
39.
While setting up a 12-lead ECG, you place the white, black, red, and green wires on the patient. How would you confirm these are correctly positioned?
a)
White on RA, black on LA, red on LL, green on RL
b)
White on LA, black on RA, green on LL, red on RL
c)
White on RL, black on LL, green on RA, red on LA
d)
White on LL, black on RL, red on RA, green on LA
40.
You are preparing to place the chest leads (V1–V6) on a patient for a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following lists the correct color sequence for these leads, starting with V1 and ending with V6?
a)
White, Black, Red, Green, Yellow, Purple
b)
White, Green, Black, Red, Orange, Purple
c)
Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Orange, Purple
d)
Purple, Orange, Blue, Green, Yellow, Red
41.
A patient’s 12-lead ECG shows abnormal activity in the inferior portion of the heart. Which leads would you examine closely to confirm this observation?
a)
Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6
b)
Leads II, III, and aVF
c)
Leads V1 and V2
d)
Leads aVR, V3, and V4
42.
Which finding is the primary indication that the EKG technician should stop an Exercise Stress Test (EST) immediately?
a)
The patient's heart rate has increased by 10 beats per minute.
b)
The patient requests to stop due to mild leg fatigue.
c)
The patient develops chest pain, severe shortness of breath, and drops in blood pressure.
d)
The patient's blood pressure increases from 120/80 to 130/85 mmHg.
43.
How would Einthoven's Triangle be disrupted if the LA electrode would be disconnected?
a)
Lead I and Lead III would be significantly affected, while Lead II would remain relatively unchanged.
b)
All three leads (I, II, and III) would show a complete loss of signal.
c)
Only Lead II would be affected, showing a flatline, while Leads I and III would remain normal.
d)
The ECG would show increased artifact across all leads, but the underlying rhythm would still be visible.
44.
A patient with a cardiac event monitor should be instructed to:
a)
Wear the monitor continuously for a year.
b)
Activate the monitor when experiencing symptoms.
c)
Remove the monitor during all physical activity.
d)
Only activate the monitor during sleep.
45.
A physician orders cardiac monitoring for a patient who experiences palpitations approximately once every two weeks. Which type of ambulatory monitor is the most appropriate for this patient?
a)
Holter monitor
b)
Telemetry monitoring
c)
Event monitor
d)
Cardioverter-defibrillator
46.
Which of the following symptom combinations would most strongly suggest the need for an ambulatory ecg?
a)
Mild chest tightness and occasional cough.
b)
Chronic fatigue and joint pain.
c)
Palpitations, dizziness, and unexplained falls.
d)
Headaches and blurred vision.
47.
Which of the following is a type of continuous monitoring performed in an inpatient health care facility?
a)
Holter monitor
b)
Event monitor
c)
Telemetry
d)
12-lead ECG
48.
What should a patient do if an electrode falls off while wearing an ambulatory ECG monitor?
a)
Ignore it and continue their daily routine
b)
Remove all electrodes and stop the test
c)
Adjust the settings to compensate for the missing electrode
d)
Reattach it if instructed or call the provider for guidance
49.
Which instruction should be given to a patient wearing a Holter monitor?
a)
Avoid all physical activity during the monitoring period.
b)
Keep a detailed log of activities and any symptoms experienced.
c)
Remove the monitor while showering or bathing.
d)
Adjust the electrode placement if they become loose.
50.
What is the primary patient education point regarding bathing while wearing a Holter monitor?
a)
The patient should avoid taking a full bath, but may take a quick shower if the recording device is unplugged.
b)
The patient may swim but should stay within 3 feet of the shoreline.
c)
The patient must take only sponge baths and keep the recorder and electrodes completely dry.
d)
The patient may shower normally but must change all electrodes afterward.
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