Verified Answers | Graded A+
BayCare EKG/ECG Competency Test | The most updated 2025/2026 edition featuring
authentic exam-style questions with 100% verified answers. Content covers essential EKG
interpretation domains including cardiac anatomy & physiology, rhythm recognition, lead
placement, arrhythmia identification, myocardial infarction patterns, conduction abnormalities,
and nursing/clinical interventions for patient safety.
Overview
This BayCare EKG Test package provides accurate and real-world exam questions verified by
clinical experts. Each question reinforces rhythm analysis, critical care decision-making, and
correct interpretation of EKG findings. Graded A+ for precision and updated to reflect the latest
standards in cardiac monitoring and acute care practice.
Exam Coverage Includes:
● Cardiac anatomy & physiology: Electrical conduction system, wave forms
● Rhythm recognition: Normal sinus, basic rates
● Lead placement: 12-lead ECG positioning
● Arrhythmia identification: Atrial, ventricular, blocks
● Myocardial infarction patterns: STEMI/NSTEMI, location by leads
● Conduction abnormalities: PR, QRS, QT intervals
● Nursing/clinical interventions: ACLS protocols, patient monitoring
Answer Format
All correct answers are presented in bold green with concise rationales explaining the rhythm
characteristics, underlying pathophysiology, and clinical significance. This ensures learners
build strong EKG interpretation skills and are fully exam-ready.
1. What are the key characteristics of Atrial Fibrillation on EKG?
a) Regular rhythm, P waves present
b) Absent P-waves, irregular pulse, HR 100-200 bpm
c) Sawtooth pattern, HR 60-100 bpm
d) Wide QRS, HR >150 bpm
Rationale: Atrial Fibrillation shows no distinct P-waves due to chaotic atrial activity,
leading to irregular ventricular response; HR varies 100-200 bpm. Pathophysiology
, involves multiple reentrant circuits in atria; clinically, it increases stroke risk, requiring
anticoagulation.
2. Identify the EKG features of Atrial Flutter.
a) Absent P-waves, HR <100 bpm
b) Rapid HR 240-350 bpm with sawtooth pattern, Type I 240-350, Type II
>350
c) Bizarre QRS, occasional
d) Prolonged PR interval
Rationale: Atrial Flutter displays "F" waves (sawtooth) from reentry circuit in atria,
with HR 240-350 bpm for Type I; Type II >350 bpm. Pathophysiology is macro-reentry;
clinically, often 2:1 conduction (ventricular HR 150 bpm), treat with cardioversion or
rate control.
3. What defines Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs) on EKG?
a) Normal QRS, regular
b) Bizarre QRS, sometimes upside-down QRS
c) P waves absent, regular
d) Prolonged QT interval
Rationale: PVCs originate from ventricles, showing wide, bizarre QRS (not preceded by
P-wave); may appear inverted. Pathophysiology is ectopic ventricular focus; clinically,
isolated PVCs benign, but frequent may indicate cardiomyopathy—monitor for VTach.
4. Describe Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach) EKG findings.
a) Narrow QRS, HR <100 bpm
b) HR >100 bpm, large wide undulating waves, P waves not associated with
QRS
c) Sawtooth pattern
d) PR interval >0.20 sec
Rationale: VTach shows wide QRS (>0.12 sec), rate >100 bpm, AV dissociation (P
waves independent); undulating if polymorphic. Pathophysiology is ventricular reentry;
clinically unstable—immediate cardioversion per ACLS.
5. Key EKG features of Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib):
a) Regular rhythm, identifiable QRS
b) Rapid erratic waves, no identifiable QRS complex, quivering
c) P waves present, HR 60-100 bpm
d) Prolonged PR, normal QRS
Rationale: VFib is chaotic ventricular activity, no organized QRS, leading to cardiac
arrest; rate unmeasurable. Pathophysiology is multiple ventricular wavelets; clinically,
lethal—defibrillate immediately per ACLS.
6. 1st Degree Heart Block is characterized by:
a) Dropped QRS, variable PR
b) Normal P-wave, PR interval >0.20 sec, normal QRS (0.06-0.10 sec)