NSG 322 CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026
▶ PR Interval. Answer: P-Q
Time taken for atrial depolarization through AV Node
Usually takes 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
▶ QRS Interval. Answer: Time taken for QRS Complex
Usually <0.12 seconds
▶ QT Interval. Answer: Start of Q to end of T wave, depolarization and
repolarization of ventricle
Usually <0.40 seconds
▶ 6 Second Rule. Answer: Count # of QRS complexes in 6 second strip
Multiply by 10
▶ 300 Method. Answer: Count big boxes between consecutive R waves,
divide 300 by #
i.e. 4 boxes between... 300/4 = 75 bpm
▶ 1500 Method. Answer: Count small boxes between consecutive R
waves, divide 1500 by #
i.e. 21 little boxes between... 1500/21 = 71 bpm
▶ Measuring HR Regularity. Answer: Using paper slip, mark the distance
between consecutive R's. Check for equal distance between consecutive
Rs. If off by 2+ boxes = irregular
▶ Normal Sinus Rhythm Intervals. Answer: PR: 0.12 - 0.20 sec
QRS: <0.12 sec
QT: <0.40 sec
Rate: 60 - 100 bpm
Rhythm: regular
, ▶ Sinus Bradycardia. Answer: All normal, except rate <60 bpm
NSG: check pt. Symptomatic? incr HR via meds (atropine to block PNS),
pacemaker if not effective. Asymptomatic? monitor, hold b-blocker?
▶ Sinus Tachycardia. Answer: All normal, except rate 101-150
NSG: check pt. Symptomatic? decr HR via meds (b-blocker or adenosine
push by MD to reset heart), vagal manoeuvre (innervates PNS),
cardioversion if not effective
▶ Sinus Arrythmia. Answer: All normal, except slight irregular rhythm with
breathing
NSG: none, non-concerning pattern of HR speeding/slowing
▶ Atrial Fibrillation. Answer: Many sites within atria fire repetitively and
incoherently, causing ineffective atrial depolarization. AV node blocks most
impulses so ventricular rate is usually slower than atrial.
Atrial >350bpm, slow ventricular rate.
No discernable P wave, atrial is "f" waves (fibrillatory)
QRS: <0.12 sec
NSG: no good contraction, blood stagnates = incr risk of clots/stroke.
Watch for low BP
▶ Idioventricular Rhythm. Answer: Impulse starts at ventricles. Has to
double back around to get through entire heart, which takes longer.
Regular
20-40 bpm
no P wave, wide and bizarre QRS
NSG: check pt. Probable resus.
▶ Ventricular Tachycardia. Answer: Unreliably regular
No P, PR
Wide and Bizarre QRS
AND VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026
▶ PR Interval. Answer: P-Q
Time taken for atrial depolarization through AV Node
Usually takes 0.12 - 0.20 seconds
▶ QRS Interval. Answer: Time taken for QRS Complex
Usually <0.12 seconds
▶ QT Interval. Answer: Start of Q to end of T wave, depolarization and
repolarization of ventricle
Usually <0.40 seconds
▶ 6 Second Rule. Answer: Count # of QRS complexes in 6 second strip
Multiply by 10
▶ 300 Method. Answer: Count big boxes between consecutive R waves,
divide 300 by #
i.e. 4 boxes between... 300/4 = 75 bpm
▶ 1500 Method. Answer: Count small boxes between consecutive R
waves, divide 1500 by #
i.e. 21 little boxes between... 1500/21 = 71 bpm
▶ Measuring HR Regularity. Answer: Using paper slip, mark the distance
between consecutive R's. Check for equal distance between consecutive
Rs. If off by 2+ boxes = irregular
▶ Normal Sinus Rhythm Intervals. Answer: PR: 0.12 - 0.20 sec
QRS: <0.12 sec
QT: <0.40 sec
Rate: 60 - 100 bpm
Rhythm: regular
, ▶ Sinus Bradycardia. Answer: All normal, except rate <60 bpm
NSG: check pt. Symptomatic? incr HR via meds (atropine to block PNS),
pacemaker if not effective. Asymptomatic? monitor, hold b-blocker?
▶ Sinus Tachycardia. Answer: All normal, except rate 101-150
NSG: check pt. Symptomatic? decr HR via meds (b-blocker or adenosine
push by MD to reset heart), vagal manoeuvre (innervates PNS),
cardioversion if not effective
▶ Sinus Arrythmia. Answer: All normal, except slight irregular rhythm with
breathing
NSG: none, non-concerning pattern of HR speeding/slowing
▶ Atrial Fibrillation. Answer: Many sites within atria fire repetitively and
incoherently, causing ineffective atrial depolarization. AV node blocks most
impulses so ventricular rate is usually slower than atrial.
Atrial >350bpm, slow ventricular rate.
No discernable P wave, atrial is "f" waves (fibrillatory)
QRS: <0.12 sec
NSG: no good contraction, blood stagnates = incr risk of clots/stroke.
Watch for low BP
▶ Idioventricular Rhythm. Answer: Impulse starts at ventricles. Has to
double back around to get through entire heart, which takes longer.
Regular
20-40 bpm
no P wave, wide and bizarre QRS
NSG: check pt. Probable resus.
▶ Ventricular Tachycardia. Answer: Unreliably regular
No P, PR
Wide and Bizarre QRS
