IBHRE CCDS EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026
A function of pacemaker circuitry that allows the pacemaker output pulse to be
dissipated quickly maximizing both the output and sensing capabilities.
a) circuit resistors
b) charge dump
c) pulse neutralizer
d) current consumption
B. Charge Dump
AV sequentially paced patients with frequent ventricular ectopy should have the
following pacemaker parameters programmed to decrease the chance of competition:
a) short blanking period
b) slower base rate
c) increased ventricular refractory period
d) none of the above
A. Short Blanking Period
Low threshold electrode materials include each of the following EXCEPT:
a) iridium oxide
b) elgiloy
c) platinized platinum
d) titanium nitride
B. Elgiloy
The strength duration curve resulting in a parabolic shape is described by which of the
following formulas?
a) I x t
b) I x V x t
c) I x R
d) all of the above
B. I x V x t
The ventriculoatrial conduction time of a pacemaker patient with a typical endless-loop-
tachycardia may be calculated by which equation?
a) (upper rate limit interval) - ( AV delay + PVARP)
b) (upper rate limit interval) - ( AV delay + PVARP + Wenckebach interval
c) (lower rate limit interval) - ( upper rate limit interval)
d) none of the above
D. None of the above
Which of the following programmings would not prevent crosstalk?
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a) a prolonged blanking period
b) "safety pacing"
c) low atrial output
d) less sensitive ventricular sensitivity
B. "Safety Pacing"
The most commonly used battery chemistry in ICDs is:
a) lithium thionyl chloride
b) lithium manganese dioxide
c) lithium silver vanadium oxide
d) lithium manganese dioxide
C. Lithium Silver Vanadium Oxide
The purpose of a capacitor in an electrical circuit is to:
a) convert AC to DC current
b) store electrical charge
c) rapidly switch battery voltage on or off
d) limit current flow to a single direction
B. Store Electrical Charge
A programming mode that would NOT be utilized to manage intermittent atrial fibrillation
in a patient with a DDD pacemaker is:.
a) DDI
b) DVI
c) VDD
d) VVI
C. VDD
Variations in stimulus morphology on the surface ECG of an analog recorder may be
caused by:
a) a dislodged electrode
b) an electrical short
c) changes in patient position
d) all of the above
D. All of the above
All of the following have been used as ERI magnet responses except:
a) abrupt increase in rate
b) abrupt decrease in rate
c) gradual increase in rate
d) gradual decrease in rate
C. Gradual Increase In Rate
Which of the following has not been used as an indicator of battery depletion?
a) pulse width stretching
b) mode change
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c) programmed amplitude reversion
d) telemetered battery impedance
C. Programmed Amplitude Reversion
The electrical circuit that converts a signal with both positive and negative components
into a signal with only one component?
a) resistor
b) rectifier
c) diode
d) capacitor
B. Rectifier
Which of the following would account for the most common cause of inappropriate
mode switching?
a) ventricular lead sensing atrial signals
b) lead insulation break
c) oversensing EMI
d) atrial lead sensing ventricular signals
D. Atrial Lead Sensing Ventricular Signals
A patient's stimulation threshold was 1.0 Volt & 0.4 msec pulse duration. The
pacemaker is programmed to 2.0 Volt & 0.8 msec duration. Lead impedance measures
1000 Ohms. The output energy for this patient would be:
a) 2X threshold
b) 4X threshold
c) 6X threshold
d) 8X threshold
D. 8x Threshold
Factors which might increase the time until activation of the EBU (emergency back-up)
or stat set and which would be avoided when utilizing temporary programming include:
a) breaking of the telemetry link
b) reinitialization of the EBU or stat set
c) having to locate the EBU actuation mechanism
d) all of the above
D. All of the above
Pacing thresholds are not influenced by:
a) electrode material
b) electrode surface area
c) insulation material
d) maturation process
C. Insulation Material
A lead fracture may result in:
a) decreased battery longevity
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b) decreased conductor impedance values
c) decreased electrode impedance values
d) decreased current drain
D. Decreased Current Drain
Lead insulation failure characteristics commonly include:
a) large impedance values
b) small current drain
c) extracardiac stimulation
d) perforation
C. Extracardiac Stimulation
What is the voltage measurement of a pacing system with a resistance of 800 ohms,
current of 4.5 miliamps and pacing rate of 60 ppm?
a) 0.36 V
b) 3.6 V
c) 5.6 V
d) 0.56 V
B. 3.6 V
Which of the following conditions has been shown to cause: an increase in stimulation
threshold, a wide QRS, latency, or undersensing?
a) hypokalemia
b) hyperkalemia
c) hypercalcemia
d) hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
What is the estimated battery service life of a pacemaker with a 1.6 Amp-hour battery
and a 16 microamp current drain?
a) 5.6 years
b) 8.5 years
c) 10.0 years
d) 11.4 years
D. 11.4 years
A 75 year old male with complete heart block and an old anterior myocardial infarct has
a DDDC pacemaker with the following settings: (Questions 23-25)
Low rate - 60 ppm Upper rate - 100 ppm
AV delay - 200 msec Atrial refractory period - 350 msec
Ventricular refractory period - 300 msec
The pacemaker Wenckebach interval is:
a) 0 msec
b) 50 msec
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