EKG NHA Exam Prep 2026 (156 Q&A) | Latest Update
2026 | 100% Accurate Answers | Comprehensive Review
1. When an adult is having an exercise stress test, what indicates they are
experiencing an adverse reactions?
increase in BP from 110/76 to 120/80 mm Hg
increase in respiratory rate from 16/min to 34/min
decrease in the PR interval from .20 to .16
increase in heart rate from 76/min to 120/min
2. What is a common cause of a wandering baseline in an EKG tracing?
Incorrect lead placement
High heart rate
Electrode malfunction
Patient movement
3. What term is used to describe a patient with a pulse oximetry reading below
90%?
Normoxia
Hypoxemia
Anemia
Hyperoxia
4. If an EKG technician observes a U wave in a patient experiencing chest pain,
what should be the next step in patient management?
, Notify the physician for further assessment and possible
intervention.
Disconnect the EKG leads immediately.
Reassure the patient that everything is normal.
Continue with the EKG without any changes.
5. Why is a decreased heart rate during an exercise stress test considered a
concerning finding?
A decreased heart rate may indicate inadequate cardiovascular
response to exercise.
A decreased heart rate is normal during exercise.
A decreased heart rate indicates a need for more exercise.
A decreased heart rate shows good heart function.
6. What wave on an EKG represents atrial depolarization?
QRS complex
T wave
P wave
U wave
7. What is the correct placement location for the RL electrode during an
exercise stress test?
Right lower abdomen
Left lower abdomen
Left upper chest
Right upper chest
,8. Describe how AC interference can impact the quality of an EKG tracing and
the steps a technician might take to resolve it.
AC interference is a sign of a malfunctioning EKG machine; technicians
should replace the machine.
AC interference enhances the clarity of the EKG tracing; technicians
should ignore it.
AC interference only affects the visual display of the EKG, not the
actual readings.
AC interference can create unwanted electrical noise in the EKG
tracing, which can obscure the heart's rhythm; a technician can
resolve it by changing the power source or ensuring proper
grounding.
9. Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by which of the following?
Consistent PR intervals and upright P waves
A consistent heart rate between 100 and 160 beats/min
QRS complexes that are up to 140 milliseconds
Widespread variation between the R-R intervals
10. An EKG technician is performing an exercise stress test to evaluate a patient
for coronary vascular disease. Which of the following actions should
technician take regarding this procedure?
Evaluate the need for the patient to follow an exercise program
Instruct the patient to cease cardiac medications after the test
Report unexpected dysrhythmias during the test
Prescribe oxygen if the patient reports shortness of breath during the
test
, 11. When obtaining an 18 lead ECG, the correct placement for V7-V9 is ________.
You only need V 7 and it is placed in the mid scapular line.
V7 is placed one intercostal space lower than V6 in the posterior
axillary line, V8 at the midscapular line, and V9 at the paravertebral
line
V7-V9 are placed in a single horizontal row beginning with V7 at the
midscapular line.
V7 is placed lateral to V6 at the posterior axillary line, V8 at the
midscapular line, and V9 at the paravertebral line.
12. Describe how an EKG technician should approach lead placement for a
patient with a below-the-knee amputation.
The technician should place all leads on the chest only.
The technician should ignore the amputation and place the lead as
usual.
The technician should place the left leg lead on the left thigh or
another suitable location and document the modification.
The technician should place the left leg lead on the right leg.
13. Describe why it is important for an EKG technician to accurately document a
patient's vital signs before conducting an EKG.
Vital signs are only important after the EKG has been completed.
Documenting vital signs is only necessary for patients with known
heart conditions.
Vital signs are not relevant to EKG testing and can be ignored.
Accurate documentation of vital signs helps assess the patient's
baseline health and identify any abnormalities.
2026 | 100% Accurate Answers | Comprehensive Review
1. When an adult is having an exercise stress test, what indicates they are
experiencing an adverse reactions?
increase in BP from 110/76 to 120/80 mm Hg
increase in respiratory rate from 16/min to 34/min
decrease in the PR interval from .20 to .16
increase in heart rate from 76/min to 120/min
2. What is a common cause of a wandering baseline in an EKG tracing?
Incorrect lead placement
High heart rate
Electrode malfunction
Patient movement
3. What term is used to describe a patient with a pulse oximetry reading below
90%?
Normoxia
Hypoxemia
Anemia
Hyperoxia
4. If an EKG technician observes a U wave in a patient experiencing chest pain,
what should be the next step in patient management?
, Notify the physician for further assessment and possible
intervention.
Disconnect the EKG leads immediately.
Reassure the patient that everything is normal.
Continue with the EKG without any changes.
5. Why is a decreased heart rate during an exercise stress test considered a
concerning finding?
A decreased heart rate may indicate inadequate cardiovascular
response to exercise.
A decreased heart rate is normal during exercise.
A decreased heart rate indicates a need for more exercise.
A decreased heart rate shows good heart function.
6. What wave on an EKG represents atrial depolarization?
QRS complex
T wave
P wave
U wave
7. What is the correct placement location for the RL electrode during an
exercise stress test?
Right lower abdomen
Left lower abdomen
Left upper chest
Right upper chest
,8. Describe how AC interference can impact the quality of an EKG tracing and
the steps a technician might take to resolve it.
AC interference is a sign of a malfunctioning EKG machine; technicians
should replace the machine.
AC interference enhances the clarity of the EKG tracing; technicians
should ignore it.
AC interference only affects the visual display of the EKG, not the
actual readings.
AC interference can create unwanted electrical noise in the EKG
tracing, which can obscure the heart's rhythm; a technician can
resolve it by changing the power source or ensuring proper
grounding.
9. Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by which of the following?
Consistent PR intervals and upright P waves
A consistent heart rate between 100 and 160 beats/min
QRS complexes that are up to 140 milliseconds
Widespread variation between the R-R intervals
10. An EKG technician is performing an exercise stress test to evaluate a patient
for coronary vascular disease. Which of the following actions should
technician take regarding this procedure?
Evaluate the need for the patient to follow an exercise program
Instruct the patient to cease cardiac medications after the test
Report unexpected dysrhythmias during the test
Prescribe oxygen if the patient reports shortness of breath during the
test
, 11. When obtaining an 18 lead ECG, the correct placement for V7-V9 is ________.
You only need V 7 and it is placed in the mid scapular line.
V7 is placed one intercostal space lower than V6 in the posterior
axillary line, V8 at the midscapular line, and V9 at the paravertebral
line
V7-V9 are placed in a single horizontal row beginning with V7 at the
midscapular line.
V7 is placed lateral to V6 at the posterior axillary line, V8 at the
midscapular line, and V9 at the paravertebral line.
12. Describe how an EKG technician should approach lead placement for a
patient with a below-the-knee amputation.
The technician should place all leads on the chest only.
The technician should ignore the amputation and place the lead as
usual.
The technician should place the left leg lead on the left thigh or
another suitable location and document the modification.
The technician should place the left leg lead on the right leg.
13. Describe why it is important for an EKG technician to accurately document a
patient's vital signs before conducting an EKG.
Vital signs are only important after the EKG has been completed.
Documenting vital signs is only necessary for patients with known
heart conditions.
Vital signs are not relevant to EKG testing and can be ignored.
Accurate documentation of vital signs helps assess the patient's
baseline health and identify any abnormalities.
