35 Verified-Style Study Questions | A+ Preparation | Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation
Overview
This updated practice resource contains 35 exam-style questions with clinically
verified rationales, aligned with the latest AHA (2025) and AACN rhythm-management
standards.
It’s ideal for nurses, telemetry technicians, and health-care professionals preparing for Relias
dysrhythmia competency, NCLEX-RN®, or ACLS review.
It comprehensively covers:
Cardiac rhythm identification & ECG strip analysis
Emergency interventions and patient-safety priorities
Pharmacology for dysrhythmia management
Pacemaker function, troubleshooting & failure recognition
This practice exam mirrors the structure and difficulty of Relias Basic B assessments while
remaining 100 % educational and original.
Answer Format
Correct responses are shown in bold green, followed by a concise rationale explaining the
rhythm analysis and nursing or clinical action.
Core Content Areas
CATEGORY # OF QUESTIONS
SINUS & ATRIAL 10
RHYTHMS
, VENTRICULAR 12
DYSRHYTHMIAS
AV HEART BLOCKS 8
PACEMAKER 5
RHYTHMS
TOTAL 35 Questions
Key Features
✓ Updated to exam blueprint
✓ Reflects current AHA and AACN evidence-based standards
✓ Priority-action NCLEX-style questions
✓ Includes rhythm identification and management rationales
✓ Designed for self-testing or classroom competency prep
Sinus & Atrial Rhythms
Question 1
An ECG shows a rate of 54 bpm, regular rhythm, P wave before every QRS, PR
interval 0.16 s.
What is the rhythm?
A. Sinus tachycardia
B. Sinus arrhythmia
✅ C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Junctional escape
Rationale: HR < 60 bpm with normal sinus pattern = sinus bradycardia.
Question 2
ECG: HR 108 bpm, regular, P before QRS, PR 0.14 s.
✅ A. Sinus tachycardia
Rationale: Sinus origin >100 bpm indicates tachycardia; often from fever, pain,
anxiety.
Question 3
ECG: Irregular rhythm varying with respirations, rate 78.