BayCare EKG Test ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Version 1 |
Verified Answers | Competency Prep | Pass Guaranteed -
Graded A+
Section 1: EKG Basics and Waveform Identification (10 Questions – 20%)
Q1: A standard EKG graph paper speed is 25 mm/second. Each small box (1 mm)
represents:
A. 0.02 seconds and 0.5 mV amplitude
B. 0.04 seconds and 0.1 mV amplitude
C. 0.06 seconds and 0.2 mV amplitude
D. 0.10 seconds and 0.5 mV amplitude
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At standard EKG paper speed of 25 mm/second, each small box (1 mm)
represents 0.04 seconds (time) and 0.1 mV (amplitude/vertical measurement). Large
boxes (5 mm) represent 0.20 seconds and 0.5 mV. This standardization allows
consistent measurement of intervals and amplitude across all EKGs.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (0.02 sec): Would require 50 mm/second paper speed (double speed), not
standard.
● C (0.06 sec): Incorrect calculation; doesn't match 25 mm/second standard.
● D (0.10 sec): Represents large box time, not small box.
,Memory Trick: "25 mph = 4 seconds per small box" (25 mm/sec → 0.04 sec/mm).
Vertical: "1 small = 1 tenth" (0.1 mV).
Clinical Alert: Paper speed changes affect rate calculation. Always verify paper speed
before interpreting strips.
Q2: Using the 300 method, a regular rhythm with 4 large boxes between R waves has a
heart rate of:
A. 60 beats per minute
B. 75 beats per minute
C. 100 beats per minute
D. 150 beats per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 300 method for regular rhythms: 300 ÷ number of large boxes between R
waves = rate. 300 ÷ 4 = 75 bpm. This rapid calculation method is essential for bedside
rhythm assessment.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (60): Would require 5 large boxes (300 ÷ 5 = 60).
● C (100): Would require 3 large boxes (300 ÷ 3 = 100).
● D (150): Would require 2 large boxes (300 ÷ 2 = 150).
Memory Trick: "300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50" – memorize the sequence for 1-6 large boxes.
BayCare Protocol Note: For regular rhythms, 300 method is preferred for rapid
assessment. For irregular rhythms, use 6-second strip method.
,Q3: The normal PR interval duration is:
A. 0.04-0.10 seconds (1-2.5 small boxes)
B. 0.06-0.12 seconds (1.5-3 small boxes)
C. 0.12-0.20 seconds (3-5 small boxes)
D. 0.20-0.40 seconds (5-10 small boxes)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal PR interval is 0.12-0.20 seconds (3-5 small boxes). This
represents the conduction time from atrial depolarization (P wave) through the AV node,
Bundle of His, and bundle branches to ventricular depolarization. Prolonged PR (>0.20
sec) indicates first-degree AV block.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (0.04-0.10): Represents normal QRS duration, not PR interval.
● B (0.06-0.12): Below normal range; would indicate pre-excitation or measurement
error.
● D (0.20-0.40): Represents first-degree AV block range, not normal.
Clinical Alert: PR interval prolongation >0.20 seconds indicates first-degree AV block.
Monitor for progression to higher-degree blocks.
Q4: The QRS complex represents:
A. Atrial depolarization and repolarization
B. Atrial depolarization only
C. Ventricular depolarization
, D. Ventricular repolarization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization (electrical activation
of ventricles). Normal duration is 0.04-0.10 seconds (narrow). Wide QRS (>0.12 sec)
indicates ventricular origin, bundle branch block, or aberrant conduction. Atrial activity is
represented by P waves; ventricular repolarization by T waves.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (Atrial dep/repol): P wave = atrial depolarization; atrial repolarization hidden in
QRS.
● B (Atrial only): P waves represent atrial depolarization, not QRS.
● D (Ventricular repolarization): T wave represents ventricular repolarization.
Memory Trick: "P-QRS-T: Please Quit Running So Tired" – P=atrial, QRS=ventricular
activation, T=recovery.
Q5: A 6-second EKG strip contains 8 QRS complexes. The heart rate is:
A. 60 beats per minute
B. 72 beats per minute
C. 80 beats per minute
D. 100 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The 6-second strip method: Count QRS complexes in 6 seconds × 10 = rate
per minute. 8 QRS × 10 = 80 bpm. This method is preferred for irregular rhythms (atrial
Verified Answers | Competency Prep | Pass Guaranteed -
Graded A+
Section 1: EKG Basics and Waveform Identification (10 Questions – 20%)
Q1: A standard EKG graph paper speed is 25 mm/second. Each small box (1 mm)
represents:
A. 0.02 seconds and 0.5 mV amplitude
B. 0.04 seconds and 0.1 mV amplitude
C. 0.06 seconds and 0.2 mV amplitude
D. 0.10 seconds and 0.5 mV amplitude
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: At standard EKG paper speed of 25 mm/second, each small box (1 mm)
represents 0.04 seconds (time) and 0.1 mV (amplitude/vertical measurement). Large
boxes (5 mm) represent 0.20 seconds and 0.5 mV. This standardization allows
consistent measurement of intervals and amplitude across all EKGs.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (0.02 sec): Would require 50 mm/second paper speed (double speed), not
standard.
● C (0.06 sec): Incorrect calculation; doesn't match 25 mm/second standard.
● D (0.10 sec): Represents large box time, not small box.
,Memory Trick: "25 mph = 4 seconds per small box" (25 mm/sec → 0.04 sec/mm).
Vertical: "1 small = 1 tenth" (0.1 mV).
Clinical Alert: Paper speed changes affect rate calculation. Always verify paper speed
before interpreting strips.
Q2: Using the 300 method, a regular rhythm with 4 large boxes between R waves has a
heart rate of:
A. 60 beats per minute
B. 75 beats per minute
C. 100 beats per minute
D. 150 beats per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 300 method for regular rhythms: 300 ÷ number of large boxes between R
waves = rate. 300 ÷ 4 = 75 bpm. This rapid calculation method is essential for bedside
rhythm assessment.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (60): Would require 5 large boxes (300 ÷ 5 = 60).
● C (100): Would require 3 large boxes (300 ÷ 3 = 100).
● D (150): Would require 2 large boxes (300 ÷ 2 = 150).
Memory Trick: "300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50" – memorize the sequence for 1-6 large boxes.
BayCare Protocol Note: For regular rhythms, 300 method is preferred for rapid
assessment. For irregular rhythms, use 6-second strip method.
,Q3: The normal PR interval duration is:
A. 0.04-0.10 seconds (1-2.5 small boxes)
B. 0.06-0.12 seconds (1.5-3 small boxes)
C. 0.12-0.20 seconds (3-5 small boxes)
D. 0.20-0.40 seconds (5-10 small boxes)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The normal PR interval is 0.12-0.20 seconds (3-5 small boxes). This
represents the conduction time from atrial depolarization (P wave) through the AV node,
Bundle of His, and bundle branches to ventricular depolarization. Prolonged PR (>0.20
sec) indicates first-degree AV block.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (0.04-0.10): Represents normal QRS duration, not PR interval.
● B (0.06-0.12): Below normal range; would indicate pre-excitation or measurement
error.
● D (0.20-0.40): Represents first-degree AV block range, not normal.
Clinical Alert: PR interval prolongation >0.20 seconds indicates first-degree AV block.
Monitor for progression to higher-degree blocks.
Q4: The QRS complex represents:
A. Atrial depolarization and repolarization
B. Atrial depolarization only
C. Ventricular depolarization
, D. Ventricular repolarization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization (electrical activation
of ventricles). Normal duration is 0.04-0.10 seconds (narrow). Wide QRS (>0.12 sec)
indicates ventricular origin, bundle branch block, or aberrant conduction. Atrial activity is
represented by P waves; ventricular repolarization by T waves.
Why other options are incorrect:
● A (Atrial dep/repol): P wave = atrial depolarization; atrial repolarization hidden in
QRS.
● B (Atrial only): P waves represent atrial depolarization, not QRS.
● D (Ventricular repolarization): T wave represents ventricular repolarization.
Memory Trick: "P-QRS-T: Please Quit Running So Tired" – P=atrial, QRS=ventricular
activation, T=recovery.
Q5: A 6-second EKG strip contains 8 QRS complexes. The heart rate is:
A. 60 beats per minute
B. 72 beats per minute
C. 80 beats per minute
D. 100 beats per minute
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The 6-second strip method: Count QRS complexes in 6 seconds × 10 = rate
per minute. 8 QRS × 10 = 80 bpm. This method is preferred for irregular rhythms (atrial
