NHA EKG TECHNICIAN (CET)
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026/2027
1. Which of the following is the intrinsic firing rate of the Sinoatrial (SA) node in a healthy
adult?
A. 20 to 40 beats per minute
B. 40 to 60 beats per minute
C. 60 to 100 beats per minute
D. 100 to 120 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SA node is the primary pacemaker of the heart, with an
intrinsic rate of 60-100 bpm. The AV node fires at 40-60 bpm, and the Purkinje fibers at 20-
40 bpm.
2. When performing a 12-lead EKG, where should the technician place lead V4?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
,D. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the left
midclavicular line.
3. A technician observes a ‘sawtooth’ pattern between QRS complexes on an EKG strip. Which
rhythm is most likely present?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Ventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Sinus Arrhythmia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial Flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial
depolarizations that create a sawtooth (F-wave) appearance.
4. What is the standard paper speed for a 12-lead EKG recording?
A. 12.5 mm/sec
B. 25 mm/sec
C. 50 mm/sec
D. 100 mm/sec
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The standard EKG paper speed is 25 mm per second. Increasing
it to 50 mm/sec is used to spread out fast rhythms.
5. Which lead is considered the ‘ground’ lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?
A. Left Leg (LL)
B. Right Arm (RA)
C. Left Arm (LA)
D. Right Leg (RL)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Right Leg (RL) lead serves as the reference or ground lead
to reduce electrical interference.
6. An EKG technician notices a wandering baseline on the tracing. Which of the following is a
common cause?
A. Patient shivering or muscle tension
B. Electrical interference from nearby equipment
C. Improper skin preparation or loose electrodes
D. Patient talking during the procedure
Answer: C
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 2026/2027
1. Which of the following is the intrinsic firing rate of the Sinoatrial (SA) node in a healthy
adult?
A. 20 to 40 beats per minute
B. 40 to 60 beats per minute
C. 60 to 100 beats per minute
D. 100 to 120 beats per minute
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SA node is the primary pacemaker of the heart, with an
intrinsic rate of 60-100 bpm. The AV node fires at 40-60 bpm, and the Purkinje fibers at 20-
40 bpm.
2. When performing a 12-lead EKG, where should the technician place lead V4?
A. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
,D. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Lead V4 is placed at the fifth intercostal space at the left
midclavicular line.
3. A technician observes a ‘sawtooth’ pattern between QRS complexes on an EKG strip. Which
rhythm is most likely present?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Ventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Sinus Arrhythmia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial Flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial
depolarizations that create a sawtooth (F-wave) appearance.
4. What is the standard paper speed for a 12-lead EKG recording?
A. 12.5 mm/sec
B. 25 mm/sec
C. 50 mm/sec
D. 100 mm/sec
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The standard EKG paper speed is 25 mm per second. Increasing
it to 50 mm/sec is used to spread out fast rhythms.
5. Which lead is considered the ‘ground’ lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?
A. Left Leg (LL)
B. Right Arm (RA)
C. Left Arm (LA)
D. Right Leg (RL)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The Right Leg (RL) lead serves as the reference or ground lead
to reduce electrical interference.
6. An EKG technician notices a wandering baseline on the tracing. Which of the following is a
common cause?
A. Patient shivering or muscle tension
B. Electrical interference from nearby equipment
C. Improper skin preparation or loose electrodes
D. Patient talking during the procedure
Answer: C
