BAYCARE EKG TEST (SOLVED) 2025/2026
CORRECT!!
What is the first and most critical step when you see a "flat line" (asystole) on
the cardiac monitor?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately.
B. Check the patient's pulse and responsiveness.
C. Verify the EKG leads are connected and check a different lead.
D. Prepare to administer epinephrine.
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Verify the EKG leads are connected
and check a different lead.
Explanation: True asystole is a lethal rhythm, but the most common cause of a
"flat line" on a monitor is a technical problem (lead disconnection, loose
electrode, gain setting). Before initiating potentially harmful interventions, you
must rule out artifact by checking the patient's responsiveness, pulse, and lead
connections. Always treat the patient, not the monitor.
Question 2:
A rhythm strip shows no discernible P waves, an irregularly irregular rhythm,
and a variable ventricular rate of approximately 110 bpm. The QRS complexes
are narrow. This is most consistent with:
A. Sinus tachycardia with PACs
B. Atrial flutter with variable block
C. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response ✓
D. Multifocal atrial tachycardia
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Atrial fibrillation with rapid
ventricular response.
Explanation: The key identifiers are the absence of P waves and the "irregularly
,irregular" rhythm. Atrial flutter shows sawtooth flutter waves. Sinus tachycardia is
regular. MAT has at least three distinct P-wave morphologies.
Question 3:
In a 12-lead EKG, ST-segment elevation of 2mm in leads II, III, and aVF is most
indicative of an infarction in which area of the heart?
A. Anterior wall
B. Lateral wall
C. Inferior wall ✓
D. Septal wall
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Inferior wall.
Explanation: Leads II, III, and aVF are the inferior leads. ST elevation in these leads
points to an inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). It is crucial to also check
reciprocal ST depression in the anterior leads (e.g., V1-V4), which may indicate a
larger area of ischemia.
Question 4:
Which of the following is a life-threatening rhythm that requires immediate
defibrillation (cardioversion if the patient is stable)?
A. Sinus bradycardia at 48 bpm
B. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a pulse
C. Atrial fibrillation at 90 bpm
D. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes) ✓
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: D. Polymorphic ventricular
tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes).
Explanation: Torsades de Pointes is an unstable, polymorphic VT that often
degenerates into ventricular fibrillation. It requires immediate intervention
(defibrillation if pulseless, magnesium sulfate, and correction of underlying causes
like long QT). Monomorphic VT with a pulse may be treated with medication or
synchronized cardioversion, depending on stability.
Question 5:
Proper skin preparation for EKG electrode placement includes:
A. Shaving hairy areas, cleansing with alcohol, and gently abrading dry skin. ✓
B. Applying lotion to ensure good adhesion.
, C. Placing electrodes directly over bony prominences.
D. Using the same electrode placement for a telemetry monitor and a diagnostic
12-lead.
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: A. Shaving hairy areas, cleansing with
alcohol, and gently abrading dry skin.
Explanation: This ensures optimal skin contact, reduces impedance, and
minimizes artifact. Lotion increases impedance. Electrodes should be placed on
fleshy areas, not bones. Diagnostic 12-lead placement is standardized and differs
from some telemetry setups.
Question 6:
A rhythm has a regular rate of 40 bpm, wide QRS complexes (>0.12 sec), and no
visible P waves. The most likely interpretation is:
A. Junctional rhythm
B. Idioventricular rhythm ✓
C. Sinus bradycardia with a bundle branch block
D. Complete heart block
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: B. Idioventricular rhythm.
Explanation: A regular, slow (20-40 bpm), wide-complex rhythm without
preceding P waves is characteristic of a ventricular escape rhythm, or
idioventricular rhythm. It is a backup pacemaker rhythm when higher pacemakers
fail. Complete heart block would show more P waves than QRS complexes
without relationship.
Question 7:
The primary purpose of performing a right-sided EKG (placing V1-V6 on the right
side of the chest) is to:
A. Rule out anterior MI
B. Detect a left ventricular infarction
C. Evaluate for a right ventricular infarction ✓
D. Confirm an inferior MI
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Evaluate for a right ventricular
infarction.
Explanation: A right-sided EKG (specifically V4R) is critical when an inferior MI (ST
CORRECT!!
What is the first and most critical step when you see a "flat line" (asystole) on
the cardiac monitor?
A. Begin chest compressions immediately.
B. Check the patient's pulse and responsiveness.
C. Verify the EKG leads are connected and check a different lead.
D. Prepare to administer epinephrine.
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Verify the EKG leads are connected
and check a different lead.
Explanation: True asystole is a lethal rhythm, but the most common cause of a
"flat line" on a monitor is a technical problem (lead disconnection, loose
electrode, gain setting). Before initiating potentially harmful interventions, you
must rule out artifact by checking the patient's responsiveness, pulse, and lead
connections. Always treat the patient, not the monitor.
Question 2:
A rhythm strip shows no discernible P waves, an irregularly irregular rhythm,
and a variable ventricular rate of approximately 110 bpm. The QRS complexes
are narrow. This is most consistent with:
A. Sinus tachycardia with PACs
B. Atrial flutter with variable block
C. Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response ✓
D. Multifocal atrial tachycardia
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Atrial fibrillation with rapid
ventricular response.
Explanation: The key identifiers are the absence of P waves and the "irregularly
,irregular" rhythm. Atrial flutter shows sawtooth flutter waves. Sinus tachycardia is
regular. MAT has at least three distinct P-wave morphologies.
Question 3:
In a 12-lead EKG, ST-segment elevation of 2mm in leads II, III, and aVF is most
indicative of an infarction in which area of the heart?
A. Anterior wall
B. Lateral wall
C. Inferior wall ✓
D. Septal wall
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Inferior wall.
Explanation: Leads II, III, and aVF are the inferior leads. ST elevation in these leads
points to an inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). It is crucial to also check
reciprocal ST depression in the anterior leads (e.g., V1-V4), which may indicate a
larger area of ischemia.
Question 4:
Which of the following is a life-threatening rhythm that requires immediate
defibrillation (cardioversion if the patient is stable)?
A. Sinus bradycardia at 48 bpm
B. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia with a pulse
C. Atrial fibrillation at 90 bpm
D. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes) ✓
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: D. Polymorphic ventricular
tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes).
Explanation: Torsades de Pointes is an unstable, polymorphic VT that often
degenerates into ventricular fibrillation. It requires immediate intervention
(defibrillation if pulseless, magnesium sulfate, and correction of underlying causes
like long QT). Monomorphic VT with a pulse may be treated with medication or
synchronized cardioversion, depending on stability.
Question 5:
Proper skin preparation for EKG electrode placement includes:
A. Shaving hairy areas, cleansing with alcohol, and gently abrading dry skin. ✓
B. Applying lotion to ensure good adhesion.
, C. Placing electrodes directly over bony prominences.
D. Using the same electrode placement for a telemetry monitor and a diagnostic
12-lead.
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: A. Shaving hairy areas, cleansing with
alcohol, and gently abrading dry skin.
Explanation: This ensures optimal skin contact, reduces impedance, and
minimizes artifact. Lotion increases impedance. Electrodes should be placed on
fleshy areas, not bones. Diagnostic 12-lead placement is standardized and differs
from some telemetry setups.
Question 6:
A rhythm has a regular rate of 40 bpm, wide QRS complexes (>0.12 sec), and no
visible P waves. The most likely interpretation is:
A. Junctional rhythm
B. Idioventricular rhythm ✓
C. Sinus bradycardia with a bundle branch block
D. Complete heart block
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: B. Idioventricular rhythm.
Explanation: A regular, slow (20-40 bpm), wide-complex rhythm without
preceding P waves is characteristic of a ventricular escape rhythm, or
idioventricular rhythm. It is a backup pacemaker rhythm when higher pacemakers
fail. Complete heart block would show more P waves than QRS complexes
without relationship.
Question 7:
The primary purpose of performing a right-sided EKG (placing V1-V6 on the right
side of the chest) is to:
A. Rule out anterior MI
B. Detect a left ventricular infarction
C. Evaluate for a right ventricular infarction ✓
D. Confirm an inferior MI
Verified -- -- -- --answer---- & Explanation: C. Evaluate for a right ventricular
infarction.
Explanation: A right-sided EKG (specifically V4R) is critical when an inferior MI (ST
