Course
Ekg
1. Which EKG finding is characteristic of atrial fibrillation?
A. Regular P waves before each QRS
B. Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
C. Wide QRS complexes with a delta wave
D. ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF
✅ Answer: B. Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
🔎 Rationale: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by an absence of distinct P waves and an
irregularly irregular ventricular response due to chaotic atrial activity.
2. What is the normal PR interval duration?
A. 0.08–0.12 seconds
B. 0.12–0.20 seconds
C. 0.20–0.30 seconds
D. 0.30–0.40 seconds
✅ Answer: B. 0.12–0.20 seconds
🔎 Rationale: The PR interval represents the time taken for electrical conduction from the atria
to the ventricles. A PR interval longer than 0.20 seconds suggests first-degree AV block.
3. Which rhythm is characterized by a "sawtooth" pattern of flutter waves?
A. Atrial flutter
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
✅ Answer: A. Atrial flutter
🔎 Rationale: Atrial flutter features rapid atrial depolarizations (250–350 bpm) creating a
distinctive "sawtooth" pattern, usually with a fixed conduction ratio (e.g., 2:1 or 4:1).
,4. Which of the following EKG findings suggests a myocardial infarction (MI)?
A. Peaked T waves
B. ST elevation in contiguous leads
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
✅ Answer: B. ST elevation in contiguous leads
🔎 Rationale: ST-segment elevation in two or more anatomically related leads suggests an acute
MI, indicating ongoing myocardial injury due to coronary artery occlusion.
5. What is the first intervention for a patient in ventricular fibrillation (VF)?
A. Administer atropine
B. Synchronized cardioversion
C. Immediate defibrillation
D. Give adenosine
✅ Answer: C. Immediate defibrillation
🔎 Rationale: VF is a life-threatening arrhythmia requiring immediate defibrillation to restore a
viable rhythm. CPR should be initiated until defibrillation is available.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with peaked T
waves on an EKG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
✅ Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
🔎 Rationale: Elevated potassium levels (>5.5 mEq/L) cause peaked T waves and, if severe, can
lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
7. What is the heart rate in a normal sinus rhythm?
,A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 100–120 bpm
D. >120 bpm
✅ Answer: B. 60–100 bpm
🔎 Rationale: Normal sinus rhythm originates in the sinoatrial (SA) node with a rate between
60 and 100 beats per minute. Rates below or above this range indicate bradycardia or
tachycardia, respectively.
8. A prolonged QT interval increases the risk for which life-threatening
arrhythmia?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Torsades de pointes
C. First-degree AV block
D. Sinus tachycardia
✅ Answer: B. Torsades de pointes
🔎 Rationale: A prolonged QT interval predisposes to Torsades de Pointes, a polymorphic
ventricular tachycardia that can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation.
9. Which lead is best for monitoring P wave morphology?
A. Lead II
B. Lead V1
C. Lead aVR
D. Lead III
✅ Answer: A. Lead II
🔎 Rationale: Lead II provides the best view of atrial activity and P waves because it aligns
with the heart’s normal electrical axis.
10. In which condition might you see ST depression?
, A. Acute STEMI
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Myocardial ischemia
D. Ventricular tachycardia
✅ Answer: C. Myocardial ischemia
🔎 Rationale: ST depression suggests myocardial ischemia or subendocardial infarction,
whereas ST elevation suggests full-thickness myocardial injury.
11. Which of the following EKG changes is most suggestive of hypercalcemia?
A. Prolonged QT interval
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Peaked T waves
D. ST elevation
✅ Answer: B. Shortened QT interval
🔎 Rationale: Hypercalcemia decreases ventricular repolarization time, leading to a shortened
QT interval. Hypocalcemia, in contrast, prolongs the QT interval.
12. What does a first-degree AV block look like on an EKG?
A. PR interval > 0.20 seconds without dropped beats
B. Progressive PR prolongation with a dropped QRS
C. Regular P waves with no QRS complexes
D. Wide QRS complexes with ST elevation
✅ Answer: A. PR interval > 0.20 seconds without dropped beats
🔎 Rationale: First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval (>0.20 sec) but
with every P wave followed by a QRS complex.
13. What is the rate of an accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR)?
A. <40 bpm
B. 40–60 bpm
C. 60–100 bpm
D. >100 bpm
✅ Answer: C. 60–100 bpm