KAISER EKG ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Complete 100 Questions Study Guide | Competency Standards | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded

KAISER EKG TEST STUDY GUIDE - COMPLETE 100 QUESTIONS
2026/2027 Competency Standards | ALREADY PASSED!!



Section 1: Cardiac Anatomy & Electrophysiology (Questions 1-12)
Q1: Which structure is known as the primary pacemaker of the heart and
normally initiates each heartbeat?
• A. Atrioventricular (AV) node
• B. Sinoatrial (SA) node [CORRECT]
• C. Bundle of His
• D. Purkinje fibers
Rationale: The SA node, located in the right atrium, generates electrical impulses
at 60-100 bpm and is the normal pacemaker due to its fastest inherent firing rate.


Q2: On an EKG, what does the P wave represent?
• A. Ventricular depolarization
• B. Ventricular repolarization
• C. Atrial depolarization [CORRECT]
• D. AV node conduction delay
Rationale: The P wave represents atrial depolarization (contraction). Ventricular
depolarization = QRS complex. Ventricular repolarization = T wave.


Q3: What is the normal duration of the PR interval?
• A. 0.06-0.10 seconds

, • B. 0.10-0.20 seconds
• C. 0.12-0.20 seconds [CORRECT]
• D. 0.20-0.40 seconds
Rationale: Normal PR interval is 0.12-0.20 seconds (3-5 small boxes). <0.12 sec
suggests pre-excitation; >0.20 sec indicates first-degree AV block.


Q4: The QRS complex represents which electrical event?
• A. Atrial repolarization
• B. Ventricular depolarization [CORRECT]
• C. Ventricular repolarization
• D. SA node firing
Rationale: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization. Normal
duration is <0.12 seconds (<3 small boxes). Atrial repolarization is hidden within
the QRS.


Q5: Which electrolyte imbalance typically causes peaked T waves?
• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hyperkalemia [CORRECT]
• D. Hypercalcemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes tall, peaked ("tented") T waves, followed by QRS
widening and sine wave pattern as severity increases. Hypokalemia causes
flattened T waves and U waves.


Q6: What is the significance of the T wave?

, • A. Atrial depolarization
• B. Atrial repolarization
• C. Ventricular repolarization [CORRECT]
• D. Ventricular depolarization
Rationale: The T wave represents ventricular repolarization. Inverted T waves may
indicate ischemia, while hyperacute T waves suggest early MI.


Q7: The QT interval represents:
• A. Atrial depolarization and repolarization
• B. Ventricular depolarization and repolarization [CORRECT]
• C. AV node conduction time only
• D. SA node recovery time
Rationale: QT interval measures total ventricular activity. Prolonged QT increases
risk of torsades de pointes. Correct for heart rate using QTc (Bazett's formula).


Q8: Which coronary artery supplies the SA node in most people?
• A. Circumflex artery only
• B. Right coronary artery (RCA) in 60% of people [CORRECT]
• C. Left anterior descending (LAD)
• D. Left main coronary artery
Rationale: SA node blood supply: RCA (60%), Circumflex (40%). AV node: RCA
(90%). This explains inferior MI often causing bradycardia.


Q9: What does the U wave represent?

, • A. Early atrial repolarization
• B. Purkinje fiber repolarization or delayed repolarization of papillary
muscles [CORRECT]
• C. Bundle of His activation
• D. Late ventricular depolarization
Rationale: Prominent U waves suggest hypokalemia. Inverted U waves may
indicate ischemia, especially in left anterior descending artery territory.


Q10: The intrinsic firing rate of the AV node is:
• A. 60-100 bpm
• B. 40-60 bpm [CORRECT]
• C. 20-40 bpm
• D. 100-150 bpm
Rationale: AV node intrinsic rate: 40-60 bpm (escape rhythm). SA node: 60-100
bpm. Purkinje fibers: 20-40 bpm (ventricular escape).


Q11: Which EKG lead is most sensitive for detecting inferior wall MI?
• A. V1-V4
• B. II, III, and aVF [CORRECT]
• C. I and aVL
• D. V5-V6
Rationale: Leads II, III, and aVF view the inferior wall (supplied by RCA). ST
elevation in these leads = inferior STEMI. Check for reciprocal changes in I and
aVL.