EKG Technician Certification Exam 2026 | ECG Interpretation
Practice Questions
1. What does the “P wave” on an ECG represent?
A. Ventricular depolarization
B. Atrial depolarization
C. Ventricular repolarization
D. Cardiac relaxation
Correct Answer: B. Atrial depolarization
Rationale:
The P wave represents the electrical impulse moving through the atria, causing atrial
contraction. It is the first wave seen in a normal cardiac cycle.
2. Which ECG rhythm is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no visible
P waves?
A. Sinus bradycardia
B. Atrial flutter
C. Atrial fibrillation
D. Ventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: C. Atrial fibrillation
,Rationale:
Atrial fibrillation produces chaotic atrial activity, resulting in absent P waves and an irregular
ventricular response.
3. A normal adult heart rate ranges between:
A. 20–40 bpm
B. 40–60 bpm
C. 60–100 bpm
D. 100–140 bpm
Correct Answer: C. 60–100 bpm
Rationale:
A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically 60–100 beats per minute.
4. Which ECG component represents ventricular depolarization?
A. P wave
B. PR interval
C. QRS complex
D. T wave
Correct Answer: C. QRS complex
,Rationale:
The QRS complex reflects electrical activation of the ventricles leading to ventricular
contraction.
5. Sinus bradycardia is defined as a heart rate less than:
A. 40 bpm
B. 50 bpm
C. 60 bpm
D. 100 bpm
Correct Answer: C. 60 bpm
Rationale:
Sinus bradycardia occurs when the sinoatrial node fires at a rate below 60 bpm.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance commonly causes peaked T waves?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Correct Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale:
Elevated potassium levels affect cardiac conduction and often produce tall, peaked T waves
on ECG.
7. What is the paper speed commonly used during a standard ECG recording?
A. 10 mm/sec
B. 15 mm/sec
C. 25 mm/sec
D. 50 mm/sec
Correct Answer: C. 25 mm/sec
Rationale:
Standard ECG recordings are usually obtained at 25 mm/sec for accurate rhythm
interpretation.
8. The PR interval measures:
A. Atrial recovery
B. Ventricular contraction time
C. Time from atrial to ventricular depolarization
Practice Questions
1. What does the “P wave” on an ECG represent?
A. Ventricular depolarization
B. Atrial depolarization
C. Ventricular repolarization
D. Cardiac relaxation
Correct Answer: B. Atrial depolarization
Rationale:
The P wave represents the electrical impulse moving through the atria, causing atrial
contraction. It is the first wave seen in a normal cardiac cycle.
2. Which ECG rhythm is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm with no visible
P waves?
A. Sinus bradycardia
B. Atrial flutter
C. Atrial fibrillation
D. Ventricular tachycardia
Correct Answer: C. Atrial fibrillation
,Rationale:
Atrial fibrillation produces chaotic atrial activity, resulting in absent P waves and an irregular
ventricular response.
3. A normal adult heart rate ranges between:
A. 20–40 bpm
B. 40–60 bpm
C. 60–100 bpm
D. 100–140 bpm
Correct Answer: C. 60–100 bpm
Rationale:
A normal resting heart rate for adults is typically 60–100 beats per minute.
4. Which ECG component represents ventricular depolarization?
A. P wave
B. PR interval
C. QRS complex
D. T wave
Correct Answer: C. QRS complex
,Rationale:
The QRS complex reflects electrical activation of the ventricles leading to ventricular
contraction.
5. Sinus bradycardia is defined as a heart rate less than:
A. 40 bpm
B. 50 bpm
C. 60 bpm
D. 100 bpm
Correct Answer: C. 60 bpm
Rationale:
Sinus bradycardia occurs when the sinoatrial node fires at a rate below 60 bpm.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance commonly causes peaked T waves?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Correct Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale:
Elevated potassium levels affect cardiac conduction and often produce tall, peaked T waves
on ECG.
7. What is the paper speed commonly used during a standard ECG recording?
A. 10 mm/sec
B. 15 mm/sec
C. 25 mm/sec
D. 50 mm/sec
Correct Answer: C. 25 mm/sec
Rationale:
Standard ECG recordings are usually obtained at 25 mm/sec for accurate rhythm
interpretation.
8. The PR interval measures:
A. Atrial recovery
B. Ventricular contraction time
C. Time from atrial to ventricular depolarization
