NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) Certification
Examination – Complete Practice Questions and
Detailed Answers
1. Which of the following is the standard paper speed for an adult EKG?
A. 25 mm/sec
B. 12.5 mm/sec
C. 50 mm/sec
D. 10 mm/sec
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard paper speed for a diagnostic EKG is 25 mm/sec. This setting
ensures that the waveform intervals are measured correctly according to established
medical standards. Increasing the speed to 50 mm/sec may be necessary for patients with
very fast heart rates to better visualize the waveforms.
2. A technician is preparing a patient for a standard 12-lead EKG. Where should the V4
electrode be placed?
A. 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
B. 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
C. 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
D. 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The V4 electrode is placed in the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular
line. Proper placement is vital for an accurate interpretation of the left ventricular activity.
Misplacing this electrode can lead to false indications of ischemia or hypertrophy.
3. Which wave on the EKG represents ventricular repolarization?
A. P wave
B. T wave
C. QRS complex
D. U wave
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The T wave represents the electrical recovery or repolarization of the
ventricles. If the T wave is inverted or peaked, it may indicate electrolyte imbalances or
myocardial ischemia. Understanding the sequence of the cardiac cycle is fundamental for
EKG technicians.
4. A technician notices a patient is shivering during the EKG. This will likely result in which
type of artifact?
A. Wandering baseline
B. Interrupted baseline
C. 60-cycle interference
, D. Somatic tremor
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Somatic tremor artifact is caused by involuntary or voluntary muscle
movement, such as shivering or anxiety. To correct this, the technician should ensure the
patient is comfortable and provide a blanket if the patient is cold. This artifact appears as
jagged, irregular spikes on the EKG tracing.
5. When using the 1500 method to calculate heart rate, there are 20 small boxes between
two R waves. What is the heart rate?
A. 75 bpm
B. 60 bpm
C. 100 bpm
D. 150 bpm
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: To calculate the heart rate using the 1500 method, divide 1500 by the
number of small boxes between R waves ( = 75). This method is the most
accurate for regular heart rhythms on EKG strips. Technicians must be proficient in various
calculation methods to provide quick assessments.
6. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for a technician when a patient
experiences chest pain during a stress test?
A. Encourage the patient to finish the current stage
Examination – Complete Practice Questions and
Detailed Answers
1. Which of the following is the standard paper speed for an adult EKG?
A. 25 mm/sec
B. 12.5 mm/sec
C. 50 mm/sec
D. 10 mm/sec
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The standard paper speed for a diagnostic EKG is 25 mm/sec. This setting
ensures that the waveform intervals are measured correctly according to established
medical standards. Increasing the speed to 50 mm/sec may be necessary for patients with
very fast heart rates to better visualize the waveforms.
2. A technician is preparing a patient for a standard 12-lead EKG. Where should the V4
electrode be placed?
A. 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
B. 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
C. 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
D. 5th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
,Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The V4 electrode is placed in the 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular
line. Proper placement is vital for an accurate interpretation of the left ventricular activity.
Misplacing this electrode can lead to false indications of ischemia or hypertrophy.
3. Which wave on the EKG represents ventricular repolarization?
A. P wave
B. T wave
C. QRS complex
D. U wave
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The T wave represents the electrical recovery or repolarization of the
ventricles. If the T wave is inverted or peaked, it may indicate electrolyte imbalances or
myocardial ischemia. Understanding the sequence of the cardiac cycle is fundamental for
EKG technicians.
4. A technician notices a patient is shivering during the EKG. This will likely result in which
type of artifact?
A. Wandering baseline
B. Interrupted baseline
C. 60-cycle interference
, D. Somatic tremor
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Somatic tremor artifact is caused by involuntary or voluntary muscle
movement, such as shivering or anxiety. To correct this, the technician should ensure the
patient is comfortable and provide a blanket if the patient is cold. This artifact appears as
jagged, irregular spikes on the EKG tracing.
5. When using the 1500 method to calculate heart rate, there are 20 small boxes between
two R waves. What is the heart rate?
A. 75 bpm
B. 60 bpm
C. 100 bpm
D. 150 bpm
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: To calculate the heart rate using the 1500 method, divide 1500 by the
number of small boxes between R waves ( = 75). This method is the most
accurate for regular heart rhythms on EKG strips. Technicians must be proficient in various
calculation methods to provide quick assessments.
6. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for a technician when a patient
experiences chest pain during a stress test?
A. Encourage the patient to finish the current stage
