Maryland EKG Technician Certification
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
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Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
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1. A patient is scheduled for a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Which action by the EKG technician is most appropriate before
electrode placement?
A. Administer a sedative to reduce anxiety
B. Verify patient identity using at least two identifiers
C. Apply electrodes before explaining the procedure
D. Request the patient to fast for 12 hours prior
Answer: B
Correct patient identification using at least two identifiers is a key
safety requirement before performing any diagnostic procedure,
including EKGs, to prevent medical errors and ensure proper
documentation.
2. Which condition would most likely produce artifact on an EKG tracing?
A. Patient lying still and relaxed
B. Loose electrode contact with the skin
C. Proper skin preparation with alcohol
D. Correct lead placement
Answer: B
, Loose electrode contact introduces electrical interference and motion
artifact, which distorts the waveform and reduces diagnostic
accuracy.
3. What is the primary purpose of a 12-lead EKG?
A. Measure blood oxygen saturation
B. Evaluate electrical activity of the heart from multiple angles
C. Measure blood pressure continuously
D. Detect lung volume changes
Answer: B
A 12-lead EKG records the heart’s electrical activity from multiple
perspectives, allowing for comprehensive cardiac assessment and
diagnosis of abnormalities.
4. Which limb lead is formed by the negative left arm electrode and
positive left leg electrode?
A. Lead I
B. Lead II
C. Lead III
D. aVR
Answer: C
Lead III is created using the left arm as negative and the left leg as
positive, measuring electrical activity between those points.
5. Before performing an EKG, which skin preparation step is most
appropriate?
A. Apply lotion to improve conductivity
B. Shave excessive hair if necessary
C. Apply powder to reduce moisture
D. Avoid cleaning the skin
Answer: B
, Excess hair can interfere with electrode adhesion and signal quality,
so it may be clipped or shaved when necessary.
6. Which wave on an EKG represents atrial depolarization?
A. P wave
B. QRS complex
C. T wave
D. U wave
Answer: A
The P wave reflects atrial depolarization, which initiates atrial
contraction.
7. A flat baseline on an EKG tracing most commonly indicates:
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Asystole or absence of electrical activity
C. Normal sinus rhythm
D. Atrial flutter
Answer: B
A flatline typically indicates asystole, meaning no detectable
electrical activity in the heart.
8. Which lead placement is correct for V1?
A. Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line
B. Right 4th intercostal space sternal border
C. Left 4th intercostal space sternal border
D. Right 5th intercostal space midaxillary line
Answer: B
V1 is correctly placed at the right fourth intercostal space at the
sternal border.
9. What is the normal range for adult heart rate on an EKG?
A. 30–50 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A patient is scheduled for a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.
Which action by the EKG technician is most appropriate before
electrode placement?
A. Administer a sedative to reduce anxiety
B. Verify patient identity using at least two identifiers
C. Apply electrodes before explaining the procedure
D. Request the patient to fast for 12 hours prior
Answer: B
Correct patient identification using at least two identifiers is a key
safety requirement before performing any diagnostic procedure,
including EKGs, to prevent medical errors and ensure proper
documentation.
2. Which condition would most likely produce artifact on an EKG tracing?
A. Patient lying still and relaxed
B. Loose electrode contact with the skin
C. Proper skin preparation with alcohol
D. Correct lead placement
Answer: B
, Loose electrode contact introduces electrical interference and motion
artifact, which distorts the waveform and reduces diagnostic
accuracy.
3. What is the primary purpose of a 12-lead EKG?
A. Measure blood oxygen saturation
B. Evaluate electrical activity of the heart from multiple angles
C. Measure blood pressure continuously
D. Detect lung volume changes
Answer: B
A 12-lead EKG records the heart’s electrical activity from multiple
perspectives, allowing for comprehensive cardiac assessment and
diagnosis of abnormalities.
4. Which limb lead is formed by the negative left arm electrode and
positive left leg electrode?
A. Lead I
B. Lead II
C. Lead III
D. aVR
Answer: C
Lead III is created using the left arm as negative and the left leg as
positive, measuring electrical activity between those points.
5. Before performing an EKG, which skin preparation step is most
appropriate?
A. Apply lotion to improve conductivity
B. Shave excessive hair if necessary
C. Apply powder to reduce moisture
D. Avoid cleaning the skin
Answer: B
, Excess hair can interfere with electrode adhesion and signal quality,
so it may be clipped or shaved when necessary.
6. Which wave on an EKG represents atrial depolarization?
A. P wave
B. QRS complex
C. T wave
D. U wave
Answer: A
The P wave reflects atrial depolarization, which initiates atrial
contraction.
7. A flat baseline on an EKG tracing most commonly indicates:
A. Ventricular fibrillation
B. Asystole or absence of electrical activity
C. Normal sinus rhythm
D. Atrial flutter
Answer: B
A flatline typically indicates asystole, meaning no detectable
electrical activity in the heart.
8. Which lead placement is correct for V1?
A. Left 5th intercostal space midclavicular line
B. Right 4th intercostal space sternal border
C. Left 4th intercostal space sternal border
D. Right 5th intercostal space midaxillary line
Answer: B
V1 is correctly placed at the right fourth intercostal space at the
sternal border.
9. What is the normal range for adult heart rate on an EKG?
A. 30–50 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
