ADVENT HEALTH EKG PROFICIENCY
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the primary diagnostic criterion for a First-Degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block?
A. Progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a QRS is dropped
B. A constant PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds
C. A variable PR interval with no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes
D. A PR interval that shortens as the heart rate increases
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: First-degree AV block is characterized by a consistent delay in
conduction through the AV node, resulting in a PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds (one
large square) without any dropped beats.
2. Which EKG finding is most indicative of hyperkalemia?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened QT interval
,D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically presents with tall, symmetrical, narrow-
based (peaked) T waves, which are often the first sign of potassium toxicity.
3. A patient’s EKG shows a ‘sawtooth’ pattern of P waves with a regular ventricular rate.
What is the most likely rhythm?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Supraventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Ventricular Tachycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial Flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial
depolarizations that resemble a saw’s teeth, usually at a rate of 250-350 bpm.
4. In a 12-lead EKG, which leads look at the lateral wall of the left ventricle?
A. V1, V2
B. II, III, aVF
C. V3, V4
D. I, aVL, V5, V6
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 are the lateral leads. II, III, and aVF look
at the inferior wall, while V1-V2 are septal and V3-V4 are anterior.
5. What is the defining characteristic of a Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) Second-Degree AV
Block?
A. Randomly dropped QRS complexes with a constant PR interval
B. A PR interval that progressively lengthens until a QRS complex is dropped
C. A completely dissociated atrial and ventricular rate
D. A PR interval that remains consistently under 0.12 seconds
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mobitz Type I involves a cycle where the PR interval grows
longer with each beat until the AV node fails to conduct an impulse entirely, resulting in a
dropped QRS.
6. Which of the following is a classic EKG sign of an acute posterior wall myocardial
infarction?
A. ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF
B. Tall R waves and ST depression in leads V1 and V2
C. Pathological Q waves in leads I and aVL
D. Deep T-wave inversion in leads V4 to V6
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the primary diagnostic criterion for a First-Degree Atrioventricular (AV) Block?
A. Progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a QRS is dropped
B. A constant PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds
C. A variable PR interval with no relationship between P waves and QRS complexes
D. A PR interval that shortens as the heart rate increases
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: First-degree AV block is characterized by a consistent delay in
conduction through the AV node, resulting in a PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds (one
large square) without any dropped beats.
2. Which EKG finding is most indicative of hyperkalemia?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened QT interval
,D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically presents with tall, symmetrical, narrow-
based (peaked) T waves, which are often the first sign of potassium toxicity.
3. A patient’s EKG shows a ‘sawtooth’ pattern of P waves with a regular ventricular rate.
What is the most likely rhythm?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Supraventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Fibrillation
D. Ventricular Tachycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial Flutter is characterized by rapid, regular atrial
depolarizations that resemble a saw’s teeth, usually at a rate of 250-350 bpm.
4. In a 12-lead EKG, which leads look at the lateral wall of the left ventricle?
A. V1, V2
B. II, III, aVF
C. V3, V4
D. I, aVL, V5, V6
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 are the lateral leads. II, III, and aVF look
at the inferior wall, while V1-V2 are septal and V3-V4 are anterior.
5. What is the defining characteristic of a Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) Second-Degree AV
Block?
A. Randomly dropped QRS complexes with a constant PR interval
B. A PR interval that progressively lengthens until a QRS complex is dropped
C. A completely dissociated atrial and ventricular rate
D. A PR interval that remains consistently under 0.12 seconds
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mobitz Type I involves a cycle where the PR interval grows
longer with each beat until the AV node fails to conduct an impulse entirely, resulting in a
dropped QRS.
6. Which of the following is a classic EKG sign of an acute posterior wall myocardial
infarction?
A. ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF
B. Tall R waves and ST depression in leads V1 and V2
C. Pathological Q waves in leads I and aVL
D. Deep T-wave inversion in leads V4 to V6
