Relias Advanced Dysrhythmia Exam A | 2025–
2026 Edition – 52 Questions with Step-by-Step
Answers
Excitability - 100 correct answer as-the ability of non-
pacemaker heart cells to respond to an electrical impulse that
begins in pacemaker cells.
Depolarization - 100 correct answer as-occurs when the
normally negatively charged cells within the heart muscle
develop a positive charge.
Conductivity - 100 correct answer as-the ability to send an
electrical stimulus from cell membrane to cell membrane. As a
result, excitable cells depolarize in rapid succession from cell to
cell until all cells have depolarized. Ex: the wave of
depolarization causes the deflections in the ECG waveforms
that are recognized as the P wave and QRS complex.
Contractility - 100 correct answer as-the ability of atrial and
ventricular muscle cells to shorten their fiber length in response
to electrical stimulation, causing sufficient pressure to push
blood forward through the heart. In other words, this is the
mechanical activity of the heart.
,AV Node - 100 correct answer as-where impulses slow down or
are delayed before proceeding to the ventricles. This delay is
reflected in the PR segment on the ECG. This slow conduction
provides a short delay, allowing the atria to contract and the
ventricles to fill.
SA Node - 100 correct answer as-the heart's primary
pacemaker. It can spontaneously and rhythmically generate
electrical impulses at a rate of 60-100 beats per min and
therefore has the greatest degree of automaticity.
Purkinje Cells - 100 correct answer as-composed of the bundle
of HIS, bundle branches, and these fibers. Responsible for the
rapid conduction of electrical impulses throughout the
ventricles, leading to ventricular depolarization and the
subsequent ventricular muscle contraction.
Semi-Reclined - 100 correct answer as-While obtaining a 12-
lead ECG, remind the patient be as as still as possible in a
________________________ position, breathing normally.
Clea, Dry, Moist - 100 correct answer as-For continous ECG
monitoring, be sure to __________________ skin and clip
hairs/shave. Ensure that the electrode placement is
, _____________ and the gel on each electrode is
______________ and fresh.
P Wave - 100 correct answer as-a deflection on an ECG
representing atrial depolarization. When the electrical impulse
is consistently generated form the SA node, this wave has a
consistent shape in a given lead. If an impulse is then generated
from a different (ectopic) focus, such as atrial tissue, the shape
of this wave changes in the lead, indicating that an ectopic
focus has fired.
PR Segment - 100 correct answer as-the isoelectric line from
the end of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex,
when the electrical impulse is traveling through the AV node,
where it is delayed.
PR Interval - 100 correct answer as-measured form the
beginning of the P wave to the end of the PR segment.
Represents the time required for atrial depolarization, the
impulse delay in the AV node, and the travel time to the
Purkinje files. Normally measures from 0.12-0.20 seconds (five
small blocks).
2026 Edition – 52 Questions with Step-by-Step
Answers
Excitability - 100 correct answer as-the ability of non-
pacemaker heart cells to respond to an electrical impulse that
begins in pacemaker cells.
Depolarization - 100 correct answer as-occurs when the
normally negatively charged cells within the heart muscle
develop a positive charge.
Conductivity - 100 correct answer as-the ability to send an
electrical stimulus from cell membrane to cell membrane. As a
result, excitable cells depolarize in rapid succession from cell to
cell until all cells have depolarized. Ex: the wave of
depolarization causes the deflections in the ECG waveforms
that are recognized as the P wave and QRS complex.
Contractility - 100 correct answer as-the ability of atrial and
ventricular muscle cells to shorten their fiber length in response
to electrical stimulation, causing sufficient pressure to push
blood forward through the heart. In other words, this is the
mechanical activity of the heart.
,AV Node - 100 correct answer as-where impulses slow down or
are delayed before proceeding to the ventricles. This delay is
reflected in the PR segment on the ECG. This slow conduction
provides a short delay, allowing the atria to contract and the
ventricles to fill.
SA Node - 100 correct answer as-the heart's primary
pacemaker. It can spontaneously and rhythmically generate
electrical impulses at a rate of 60-100 beats per min and
therefore has the greatest degree of automaticity.
Purkinje Cells - 100 correct answer as-composed of the bundle
of HIS, bundle branches, and these fibers. Responsible for the
rapid conduction of electrical impulses throughout the
ventricles, leading to ventricular depolarization and the
subsequent ventricular muscle contraction.
Semi-Reclined - 100 correct answer as-While obtaining a 12-
lead ECG, remind the patient be as as still as possible in a
________________________ position, breathing normally.
Clea, Dry, Moist - 100 correct answer as-For continous ECG
monitoring, be sure to __________________ skin and clip
hairs/shave. Ensure that the electrode placement is
, _____________ and the gel on each electrode is
______________ and fresh.
P Wave - 100 correct answer as-a deflection on an ECG
representing atrial depolarization. When the electrical impulse
is consistently generated form the SA node, this wave has a
consistent shape in a given lead. If an impulse is then generated
from a different (ectopic) focus, such as atrial tissue, the shape
of this wave changes in the lead, indicating that an ectopic
focus has fired.
PR Segment - 100 correct answer as-the isoelectric line from
the end of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex,
when the electrical impulse is traveling through the AV node,
where it is delayed.
PR Interval - 100 correct answer as-measured form the
beginning of the P wave to the end of the PR segment.
Represents the time required for atrial depolarization, the
impulse delay in the AV node, and the travel time to the
Purkinje files. Normally measures from 0.12-0.20 seconds (five
small blocks).
