NHA EKG (CET) Exam | 2025/2026 Latest Edition
| Comprehensive Questions with Verified Correct
Answers | Graded A+
NHA EKG Technician (CET) Exam | Updated 2025/2026 edition with comprehensive, fully
verified exam-based questions and correct answers. Key topics include cardiac anatomy and
physiology, EKG lead placement, rhythm interpretation, arrhythmias, heart blocks, patient
preparation and safety, artifacts and troubleshooting, and compliance with healthcare
regulations and ethical standards.
Overview
This complete exam prep resource provides authentic NHA CET exam questions with 100%
correct answers, ensuring alignment with national certification standards. Designed to help
learners master EKG interpretation, strengthen technical skills, and ensure exam success.
Graded A+ for accuracy, depth, and exam readiness.
Answer Format
Correct answers are highlighted in bold green. Each question includes a rationale to explain
clinical reasoning, reinforce EKG concepts, and support mastery for exam success.
NHA EKG Technician (CET) Exam (100 Questions)
Question 1: What is the primary function of the right atrium in the heart?
A) Pump blood into the aorta
B) Receive deoxygenated blood from the body
C) Pump blood into the pulmonary artery
D) Receive oxygenated blood from the lungs
B) Receive deoxygenated blood from the body
Rationale: The right atrium collects deoxygenated blood via the superior and inferior vena
cava before sending it to the right ventricle.
Question 2: Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta?
A) Right atrium
B) Left atrium
C) Right ventricle
D) Left ventricle
D) Left ventricle
Rationale: The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the systemic
circulation via the aorta.
,Question 3: What is the normal duration of a PR interval on an EKG?
A) 0.04 - 0.12 seconds
B) 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
C) 0.20 - 0.40 seconds
D) 0.40 - 0.60 seconds
B) 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
Rationale: A PR interval of 0.12-0.20 seconds reflects normal atrioventricular conduction
time.
Question 4: Where is the V1 lead placed on the chest?
A) Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B) Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C) Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
D) Second intercostal space, left sternal border
A) Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
Rationale: V1 is positioned to capture the right ventricle’s electrical activity.
Question 5: What does the QRS complex represent on an EKG?
A) Atrial depolarization
B) Ventricular depolarization
C) Atrial repolarization
D) Ventricular repolarization
B) Ventricular depolarization
Rationale: The QRS complex reflects the electrical activation of the ventricles.
Question 6: Which rhythm is characterized by a regular rate of 60-100 bpm with a
normal P wave before each QRS?
A) Atrial fibrillation
B) Normal sinus rhythm
C) Ventricular tachycardia
D) Second-degree heart block
B) Normal sinus rhythm
Rationale: Normal sinus rhythm indicates healthy sinus node function with consistent
P-QRS-T patterns.
Question 7: What is the defining feature of atrial fibrillation on an EKG?
A) Regular P waves and QRS complexes
B) Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
C) Prolonged PR interval
D) Wide QRS complexes
B) Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation shows chaotic atrial activity, replacing P waves with fibrillatory
waves.
Question 8: Which arrhythmia is characterized by a heart rate greater than 100
bpm originating from the ventricles?
A) Supraventricular tachycardia
, B) Ventricular tachycardia
C) Atrial flutter
D) Sinus bradycardia
B) Ventricular tachycardia
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening rhythm with a ventricular
origin.
Question 9: What is a common cause of a first-degree AV block?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Increased vagal tone
C) Myocardial infarction
D) Hypothyroidism
B) Increased vagal tone
Rationale: Increased vagal tone can prolong the PR interval, leading to first-degree AV block.
Question 10: Which heart block is identified by occasional dropped QRS complexes
after P waves?
A) First-degree AV block
B) Second-degree AV block (Type I)
C) Third-degree AV block
D) Bundle branch block
B) Second-degree AV block (Type I)
Rationale: Type I second-degree AV block (Wenckebach) shows progressive PR lengthening
until a QRS is dropped.
Question 11: What is the proper placement of the right arm electrode for a 12-lead
EKG?
A) Right midclavicular line, second intercostal space
B) Right shoulder, below the clavicle
C) Right upper arm, fleshy part
D) Right lower abdomen
C) Right upper arm, fleshy part
Rationale: The right arm electrode is placed on the fleshy part of the upper arm to avoid
muscle interference.
Question 12: What should be done if a patient has excessive body hair interfering
with electrode placement?
A) Place electrodes over the hair
B) Clip or shave the hair in the electrode area
C) Use stronger adhesive tape
D) Skip that lead placement
B) Clip or shave the hair in the electrode area
Rationale: Clipping or shaving ensures good skin contact for accurate EKG readings.
Question 13: Which safety precaution is essential before performing an EKG?
A) Ensure the patient is lying on a metal bed
B) Check for patient allergies to electrode gel
| Comprehensive Questions with Verified Correct
Answers | Graded A+
NHA EKG Technician (CET) Exam | Updated 2025/2026 edition with comprehensive, fully
verified exam-based questions and correct answers. Key topics include cardiac anatomy and
physiology, EKG lead placement, rhythm interpretation, arrhythmias, heart blocks, patient
preparation and safety, artifacts and troubleshooting, and compliance with healthcare
regulations and ethical standards.
Overview
This complete exam prep resource provides authentic NHA CET exam questions with 100%
correct answers, ensuring alignment with national certification standards. Designed to help
learners master EKG interpretation, strengthen technical skills, and ensure exam success.
Graded A+ for accuracy, depth, and exam readiness.
Answer Format
Correct answers are highlighted in bold green. Each question includes a rationale to explain
clinical reasoning, reinforce EKG concepts, and support mastery for exam success.
NHA EKG Technician (CET) Exam (100 Questions)
Question 1: What is the primary function of the right atrium in the heart?
A) Pump blood into the aorta
B) Receive deoxygenated blood from the body
C) Pump blood into the pulmonary artery
D) Receive oxygenated blood from the lungs
B) Receive deoxygenated blood from the body
Rationale: The right atrium collects deoxygenated blood via the superior and inferior vena
cava before sending it to the right ventricle.
Question 2: Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta?
A) Right atrium
B) Left atrium
C) Right ventricle
D) Left ventricle
D) Left ventricle
Rationale: The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the systemic
circulation via the aorta.
,Question 3: What is the normal duration of a PR interval on an EKG?
A) 0.04 - 0.12 seconds
B) 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
C) 0.20 - 0.40 seconds
D) 0.40 - 0.60 seconds
B) 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
Rationale: A PR interval of 0.12-0.20 seconds reflects normal atrioventricular conduction
time.
Question 4: Where is the V1 lead placed on the chest?
A) Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
B) Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border
C) Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
D) Second intercostal space, left sternal border
A) Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
Rationale: V1 is positioned to capture the right ventricle’s electrical activity.
Question 5: What does the QRS complex represent on an EKG?
A) Atrial depolarization
B) Ventricular depolarization
C) Atrial repolarization
D) Ventricular repolarization
B) Ventricular depolarization
Rationale: The QRS complex reflects the electrical activation of the ventricles.
Question 6: Which rhythm is characterized by a regular rate of 60-100 bpm with a
normal P wave before each QRS?
A) Atrial fibrillation
B) Normal sinus rhythm
C) Ventricular tachycardia
D) Second-degree heart block
B) Normal sinus rhythm
Rationale: Normal sinus rhythm indicates healthy sinus node function with consistent
P-QRS-T patterns.
Question 7: What is the defining feature of atrial fibrillation on an EKG?
A) Regular P waves and QRS complexes
B) Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
C) Prolonged PR interval
D) Wide QRS complexes
B) Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation shows chaotic atrial activity, replacing P waves with fibrillatory
waves.
Question 8: Which arrhythmia is characterized by a heart rate greater than 100
bpm originating from the ventricles?
A) Supraventricular tachycardia
, B) Ventricular tachycardia
C) Atrial flutter
D) Sinus bradycardia
B) Ventricular tachycardia
Rationale: Ventricular tachycardia is a potentially life-threatening rhythm with a ventricular
origin.
Question 9: What is a common cause of a first-degree AV block?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Increased vagal tone
C) Myocardial infarction
D) Hypothyroidism
B) Increased vagal tone
Rationale: Increased vagal tone can prolong the PR interval, leading to first-degree AV block.
Question 10: Which heart block is identified by occasional dropped QRS complexes
after P waves?
A) First-degree AV block
B) Second-degree AV block (Type I)
C) Third-degree AV block
D) Bundle branch block
B) Second-degree AV block (Type I)
Rationale: Type I second-degree AV block (Wenckebach) shows progressive PR lengthening
until a QRS is dropped.
Question 11: What is the proper placement of the right arm electrode for a 12-lead
EKG?
A) Right midclavicular line, second intercostal space
B) Right shoulder, below the clavicle
C) Right upper arm, fleshy part
D) Right lower abdomen
C) Right upper arm, fleshy part
Rationale: The right arm electrode is placed on the fleshy part of the upper arm to avoid
muscle interference.
Question 12: What should be done if a patient has excessive body hair interfering
with electrode placement?
A) Place electrodes over the hair
B) Clip or shave the hair in the electrode area
C) Use stronger adhesive tape
D) Skip that lead placement
B) Clip or shave the hair in the electrode area
Rationale: Clipping or shaving ensures good skin contact for accurate EKG readings.
Question 13: Which safety precaution is essential before performing an EKG?
A) Ensure the patient is lying on a metal bed
B) Check for patient allergies to electrode gel
