EKG Exam Review 2026 | Most Tested Questions & Verified
Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. What term is used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm identified on an EKG
tracing?
Fibrillation
Tachycardia
Arrhythmia
Bradycardia
2. What is the significance of a change in EKG rhythm from less dangerous to
more dangerous?
It means the EKG machine is malfunctioning.
It shows that the patient is stable.
It suggests that the patient is recovering.
It indicates a potential worsening of the patient's cardiac condition.
3. If a patient is anxious and moving during an EKG test, what steps should the
technician take to minimize wandering baseline artifact?
Reassure the patient and ensure they are comfortable and still.
Change the electrode placement frequently.
Ignore the movement as it does not affect the results.
Increase the gain on the EKG machine.
4. The R wave:
precedes the Q wave
, the 1st + deflection in the QRS
1st - deflection that extends below the baseline
less than 25% of the amplitude of the S wave in that lead
5. What is the standard method for calculating heart rate from an EKG strip?
Count the total number of beats in one minute.
Count the number of P waves in a 10-second interval and multiply by
6.
Count the number of QRS complexes in a 5-second interval and
multiply by 12.
Count the number of R waves in a 6-second interval and multiply by
10.
6. If a technician notices that the R waves are too high during a patient's EKG,
what steps should they take to ensure accurate readings?
Decrease the gain setting and recheck the EKG.
Change the lead placement and restart the EKG.
Adjust the filter settings and ignore the high R waves.
Increase the paper speed and continue with the test.
7. Describe how effective communication can alleviate a child's fear during an
EKG procedure.
Effective communication should be avoided to prevent confusion.
Effective communication can help explain the procedure in a
comforting manner, reducing anxiety.
Effective communication involves only technical terms.
, Effective communication is not necessary for children.
8. Which of the following could cause AC interference during the recording of
an ECG:
ECG "AC" cord facing the patient
corroded electrodes
electrical appliances running on same electrical circuit
all of the above
9. Irregular heart beat is called
Arrhythmia\
Cardiac arrest\
Precordium
Myocardial infarction\
10. A 76 year old female is pulseless and apneic. The ECG monitor shows
asystole. What should you do?
Start chest compressions
Attempt a precordial thump
Administer epinephrine
Perform immediate defibrillation
11. Describe the significance of the sinoatrial node in EKG rhythm interpretation.
The sinoatrial node receives signals from the brain to control heart
rate.
, The sinoatrial node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, initiating
the electrical impulses that regulate heartbeats.
The sinoatrial node is responsible for the contraction of the ventricles.
The sinoatrial node is where blood is pumped into the lungs.
12. Which leads are affected if the right and left arm leads are reversed in an
EKG?
Lead I and aVR
Lead V1 and V2
Lead II and aVL
Lead III and aVF
13. If a patient presents with chest pain and an abnormal EKG rhythm, what
should be the immediate priority for the EKG technician?
To document the EKG results in the patient's chart
To analyze the EKG tracing for specific waveforms
To prepare the patient for a follow-up test
To ensure patient safety and notify a healthcare provider
14. Describe the appropriate actions an EKG technician should take if a patient
experiences chest pain during a stress test.
The technician should continue the test to gather more data.
The technician should stop the test, assess the patient's condition,
and call for medical assistance.
The technician should reassure the patient and encourage them to
push through the pain.
Answers | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. What term is used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm identified on an EKG
tracing?
Fibrillation
Tachycardia
Arrhythmia
Bradycardia
2. What is the significance of a change in EKG rhythm from less dangerous to
more dangerous?
It means the EKG machine is malfunctioning.
It shows that the patient is stable.
It suggests that the patient is recovering.
It indicates a potential worsening of the patient's cardiac condition.
3. If a patient is anxious and moving during an EKG test, what steps should the
technician take to minimize wandering baseline artifact?
Reassure the patient and ensure they are comfortable and still.
Change the electrode placement frequently.
Ignore the movement as it does not affect the results.
Increase the gain on the EKG machine.
4. The R wave:
precedes the Q wave
, the 1st + deflection in the QRS
1st - deflection that extends below the baseline
less than 25% of the amplitude of the S wave in that lead
5. What is the standard method for calculating heart rate from an EKG strip?
Count the total number of beats in one minute.
Count the number of P waves in a 10-second interval and multiply by
6.
Count the number of QRS complexes in a 5-second interval and
multiply by 12.
Count the number of R waves in a 6-second interval and multiply by
10.
6. If a technician notices that the R waves are too high during a patient's EKG,
what steps should they take to ensure accurate readings?
Decrease the gain setting and recheck the EKG.
Change the lead placement and restart the EKG.
Adjust the filter settings and ignore the high R waves.
Increase the paper speed and continue with the test.
7. Describe how effective communication can alleviate a child's fear during an
EKG procedure.
Effective communication should be avoided to prevent confusion.
Effective communication can help explain the procedure in a
comforting manner, reducing anxiety.
Effective communication involves only technical terms.
, Effective communication is not necessary for children.
8. Which of the following could cause AC interference during the recording of
an ECG:
ECG "AC" cord facing the patient
corroded electrodes
electrical appliances running on same electrical circuit
all of the above
9. Irregular heart beat is called
Arrhythmia\
Cardiac arrest\
Precordium
Myocardial infarction\
10. A 76 year old female is pulseless and apneic. The ECG monitor shows
asystole. What should you do?
Start chest compressions
Attempt a precordial thump
Administer epinephrine
Perform immediate defibrillation
11. Describe the significance of the sinoatrial node in EKG rhythm interpretation.
The sinoatrial node receives signals from the brain to control heart
rate.
, The sinoatrial node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, initiating
the electrical impulses that regulate heartbeats.
The sinoatrial node is responsible for the contraction of the ventricles.
The sinoatrial node is where blood is pumped into the lungs.
12. Which leads are affected if the right and left arm leads are reversed in an
EKG?
Lead I and aVR
Lead V1 and V2
Lead II and aVL
Lead III and aVF
13. If a patient presents with chest pain and an abnormal EKG rhythm, what
should be the immediate priority for the EKG technician?
To document the EKG results in the patient's chart
To analyze the EKG tracing for specific waveforms
To prepare the patient for a follow-up test
To ensure patient safety and notify a healthcare provider
14. Describe the appropriate actions an EKG technician should take if a patient
experiences chest pain during a stress test.
The technician should continue the test to gather more data.
The technician should stop the test, assess the patient's condition,
and call for medical assistance.
The technician should reassure the patient and encourage them to
push through the pain.
