NHA EKG TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which part of the heart’s conduction system is known as the primary pacemaker?
A. AV Node
B. Bundle of His
C. SA Node
D. Purkinje Fibers
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Sinoatrial (SA) node is the primary pacemaker of the heart,
normally initiating impulses at a rate of 60-100 beats per minute.
2. On an EKG graph, what does the vertical axis represent?
A. Time in seconds
B. Heart rate
C. Voltage or Amplitude
D. Oxygen saturation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The vertical axis on EKG paper measures voltage or amplitude,
typically in millivolts (mV), where 10mm equals 1mV.
3. For a standard 12-lead EKG, where should the V4 electrode be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
D. Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: V4 is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular
line.
4. A technician notices a wandering baseline on the EKG. Which of the following is the most
likely cause?
A. Patient shivering
B. Electrical interference from a nearby cell phone
C. Poor skin preparation or loose electrodes
D. Anxiety and high heart rate
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Wandering baseline is usually caused by poor electrode contact,
dry gel, or skin oils/lotions interfering with the signal.
5. What is the standard paper speed for a 12-lead EKG?
A. 10 mm/sec
B. 50 mm/sec
C. 25 mm/sec
D. 5 mm/sec
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard EKG recording speed is 25 mm/sec.
6. Which of the following heart rates characterizes sinus bradycardia?
A. Greater than 100 bpm
B. Less than 60 bpm
C. Between 60 and 100 bpm
D. Exactly 0 bpm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sinus bradycardia is defined as a heart rhythm originating from
the SA node with a rate slower than 60 beats per minute.
CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which part of the heart’s conduction system is known as the primary pacemaker?
A. AV Node
B. Bundle of His
C. SA Node
D. Purkinje Fibers
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Sinoatrial (SA) node is the primary pacemaker of the heart,
normally initiating impulses at a rate of 60-100 beats per minute.
2. On an EKG graph, what does the vertical axis represent?
A. Time in seconds
B. Heart rate
C. Voltage or Amplitude
D. Oxygen saturation
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The vertical axis on EKG paper measures voltage or amplitude,
typically in millivolts (mV), where 10mm equals 1mV.
3. For a standard 12-lead EKG, where should the V4 electrode be placed?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
D. Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: V4 is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular
line.
4. A technician notices a wandering baseline on the EKG. Which of the following is the most
likely cause?
A. Patient shivering
B. Electrical interference from a nearby cell phone
C. Poor skin preparation or loose electrodes
D. Anxiety and high heart rate
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Wandering baseline is usually caused by poor electrode contact,
dry gel, or skin oils/lotions interfering with the signal.
5. What is the standard paper speed for a 12-lead EKG?
A. 10 mm/sec
B. 50 mm/sec
C. 25 mm/sec
D. 5 mm/sec
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard EKG recording speed is 25 mm/sec.
6. Which of the following heart rates characterizes sinus bradycardia?
A. Greater than 100 bpm
B. Less than 60 bpm
C. Between 60 and 100 bpm
D. Exactly 0 bpm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Sinus bradycardia is defined as a heart rhythm originating from
the SA node with a rate slower than 60 beats per minute.
