IBHRE
Practice Test Questions 2026–2027 | Certification
Exam Prep, Answers & Detailed Rationales
THIS PRACTICE TEST INCLUDES
➢IBHRE certification exam review material
➢Practice test questions, where included
➢Answers and detailed rationales, where provided
, ICD & PACEMAKER TECHNOLOGY TESTBANK
Question 1
What current ICD capacitor technologies provide the highest energy density and
does not require reformation?
A) Lithium iodine
B) Tantalum electrolytic
C) Lithium silver vanadium oxide
D) Aluminum electrolytic
Correct Answer: B) Tantalum electrolytic
Rationale: Tantalum electrolytic capacitors offer the highest energy density among ICD
capacitor technologies and do not require reformation (recharging/reconditioning) after
prolonged storage. This makes them ideal for ICD applications where reliable, rapid
energy delivery is critical. Lithium iodine is used in pacemaker batteries, not ICD
capacitors. Lithium silver vanadium oxide is a battery chemistry used in ICDs, not a
capacitor technology.
Question 2
1.67 Hz would equal how many bpm?
A) 60 bpm
B) 80 bpm
C) 100 bpm
D) 120 bpm
Correct Answer: C) 100 bpm
,Rationale: To convert Hz to bpm, multiply by 60 (since there are 60 seconds in a
minute). 1.67 Hz × 60 seconds = 100.2 bpm ≈ 100 bpm. Conversely, 1 bpm = 0.016667
Hz.
Question 3
Which pace/sense lead designs would one expect the highest current density with
a bipolar impedance reading of 1100 ohms?
A) Brady lead with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode 5.2 mm²
B) Brady lead with anode of 8.0 mm² and cathode 10.0 mm²
C) Brady lead with anode of 2.0 mm² and cathode 2.0 mm²
D) Brady lead with anode of 12.0 mm² and cathode 12.0 mm²
Correct Answer: A) Brady lead with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode 5.2 mm²
Rationale: Current density is inversely proportional to electrode surface area. Smaller
electrode surface areas produce higher current density. Among the options, the lead
with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode of 5.2 mm² has the smallest surface areas, resulting
in the highest current density. The 1100-ohm impedance reading is consistent with a
bipolar lead system.
Question 4
What is the voltage measurement of a pacing system with impedance of 500
ohms, current of 5.0 milliamps, and pulse width of 0.4 ms at a rate of 60 bpm?
A) 1.0 V
B) 2.5 V
C) 5.0 V
D) 10.0 V
Correct Answer: B) 2.5 V
, Rationale: Using Ohm's Law (V = I × R): V = 5.0 milliamps × 500 ohms = 2,500 millivolts
= 2.5 volts. Pulse width and rate are not needed for this calculation. The formula V = I ×
R is fundamental to understanding pacing voltage requirements.
Question 5
What condition is shown to have an increase stimulation threshold, wide QRS,
latency, or undersensing?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B) Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) is associated with increased stimulation
thresholds, widened QRS complexes, latency (delayed conduction), and undersensing on
pacemaker/ICD systems. Hyperkalemia affects cardiac cell membrane excitability and
conduction, making pacing and sensing more difficult. Hypokalemia tends to lower
stimulation thresholds.
Question 6
What is the estimated battery longevity of a pacemaker with 1.0 amp-hour battery
and 20 microamp drain?
A) 3.5 years
B) 5.7 years
C) 8.2 years
D) 10.0 years
Correct Answer: B) 5.7 years
Practice Test Questions 2026–2027 | Certification
Exam Prep, Answers & Detailed Rationales
THIS PRACTICE TEST INCLUDES
➢IBHRE certification exam review material
➢Practice test questions, where included
➢Answers and detailed rationales, where provided
, ICD & PACEMAKER TECHNOLOGY TESTBANK
Question 1
What current ICD capacitor technologies provide the highest energy density and
does not require reformation?
A) Lithium iodine
B) Tantalum electrolytic
C) Lithium silver vanadium oxide
D) Aluminum electrolytic
Correct Answer: B) Tantalum electrolytic
Rationale: Tantalum electrolytic capacitors offer the highest energy density among ICD
capacitor technologies and do not require reformation (recharging/reconditioning) after
prolonged storage. This makes them ideal for ICD applications where reliable, rapid
energy delivery is critical. Lithium iodine is used in pacemaker batteries, not ICD
capacitors. Lithium silver vanadium oxide is a battery chemistry used in ICDs, not a
capacitor technology.
Question 2
1.67 Hz would equal how many bpm?
A) 60 bpm
B) 80 bpm
C) 100 bpm
D) 120 bpm
Correct Answer: C) 100 bpm
,Rationale: To convert Hz to bpm, multiply by 60 (since there are 60 seconds in a
minute). 1.67 Hz × 60 seconds = 100.2 bpm ≈ 100 bpm. Conversely, 1 bpm = 0.016667
Hz.
Question 3
Which pace/sense lead designs would one expect the highest current density with
a bipolar impedance reading of 1100 ohms?
A) Brady lead with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode 5.2 mm²
B) Brady lead with anode of 8.0 mm² and cathode 10.0 mm²
C) Brady lead with anode of 2.0 mm² and cathode 2.0 mm²
D) Brady lead with anode of 12.0 mm² and cathode 12.0 mm²
Correct Answer: A) Brady lead with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode 5.2 mm²
Rationale: Current density is inversely proportional to electrode surface area. Smaller
electrode surface areas produce higher current density. Among the options, the lead
with anode of 4.2 mm² and cathode of 5.2 mm² has the smallest surface areas, resulting
in the highest current density. The 1100-ohm impedance reading is consistent with a
bipolar lead system.
Question 4
What is the voltage measurement of a pacing system with impedance of 500
ohms, current of 5.0 milliamps, and pulse width of 0.4 ms at a rate of 60 bpm?
A) 1.0 V
B) 2.5 V
C) 5.0 V
D) 10.0 V
Correct Answer: B) 2.5 V
, Rationale: Using Ohm's Law (V = I × R): V = 5.0 milliamps × 500 ohms = 2,500 millivolts
= 2.5 volts. Pulse width and rate are not needed for this calculation. The formula V = I ×
R is fundamental to understanding pacing voltage requirements.
Question 5
What condition is shown to have an increase stimulation threshold, wide QRS,
latency, or undersensing?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B) Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) is associated with increased stimulation
thresholds, widened QRS complexes, latency (delayed conduction), and undersensing on
pacemaker/ICD systems. Hyperkalemia affects cardiac cell membrane excitability and
conduction, making pacing and sensing more difficult. Hypokalemia tends to lower
stimulation thresholds.
Question 6
What is the estimated battery longevity of a pacemaker with 1.0 amp-hour battery
and 20 microamp drain?
A) 3.5 years
B) 5.7 years
C) 8.2 years
D) 10.0 years
Correct Answer: B) 5.7 years
