EKG Technician Practice Test Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following EKG machine functions should an EKG technician use to control and regulate the height of EKG waveforms on the tracing?

Artifact filter

Gain (correct)

Output display

Speed

Which of the following methods should a EKG technician use when removing hair from electrode placement sites for telemetry monitoring?

Clippers (correct)

Dry shave

Wet shave

Tape

An EKG technician notes periods of sinus arrest on a patient's EKG tracing. The technician should consider the sinus arrest to be a medical emergency when the arrest reaches which of the following durations?

1 sec

3 sec

6 sec (correct)

4 sec

Which of the following lead groups are bipolar leads?

Leads I, II, and III Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is performing a second standard 12-lead EKG on a patient immediately following the first test. For which of the following reasons should the technician recognize that resting tab electrodes should not be used for more than two consecutive EKG tracings?

The electrodes will not conduct accurately after two EKG tracings Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the electrode for lead V5?

On the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to lead V4 Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is working with a patient who has a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg. In which of the following locations should the technician place the right leg electrode?

On the lower right abdomen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods should an EKG technician use to store electrodes when not in use?

In the original, foil-lined packaging Signup and view all the answers

A serial EKG tracing shows a rhythm that does not match the last tracing that the EKG technician performed. Which of the following actions should the technician take first?

Verify proper lead placement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements made by an EKG technician correctly prepares the patient for telemetry monitoring?

"I will clean your skin with an alcohol pad" Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient who is 4 years old. In which of the following locations should the technician place the V6 electrodes?

Left midaxillary line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sections of the EKG tracing should an EKG technician use to measure the QRS complex?

Beginning of the Q wave to the end of the S wave Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician observes varying R-R intervals on an EKG for a 2-year-old patient. Which of the following statements made by the technician would be correct?

"The irregularity is normal and is a result of respiration" Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is recording a patient's radial pulse rate and finds the pulse to be irregular. The provider then takes the patient's apical pulse. The technician should recognize that which of the following locations is used for this assessment?

Between the fifth and sixth ribs, at the left midclavicular line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a complete cardiac cycle in a healthy heart?

P wave, QRS complex, and T wave Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is preparing to perform an EKG for a patient who does not speak the same language as the technician. Which of the following actions should the technician take to avoid miscommunication with the patient?

Have a bilingual staff member translate Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is instructing a patient about the use of a transtelephonic monitor with loop memory. Which of the following instructions should the technician include?

"Press the record button on the device when you begin to feel dizzy or have chest pain" Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy adult patient, which of the following is the expected shape and direction of the P wave in lead II?

Rounded and upright Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responses should an EKG technician make to a patient in an outpatient clinic who is upset that the technician cannot share the results of the tracing?

"I understand your frustration. My role as the technician is to conduct the test correctly. The provider is qualified to interpret the results" Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is preparing a patient for a scheduled standard 12-lead EKG. Which of the following actions should the technician take?

Use an alcohol pad to cleanse the electrode placement sites Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can produce an artifact that appears as uniform, small spikes on an EKG tracing?

Improper grounding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pulse points is most frequently used to check an adult patient's pulse during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

Carotid Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is caring for a patient in a provider's clinic who asks why the technician performs a standard 12-lead EKG as part of the physical examination. Which of the following responses should the technician make?

"The results can be used to determine if changes have occurred since your last EKG." Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is monitoring a patient who is undergoing an exercise stress test. Which of the following findings should indicate to the technician that the patient is experiencing an adverse reaction?

Report of tingling sensations in the lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions is appropriate for a patient during a nuclear stress test while the camera is scanning?

Supine with the arms above the head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements should an EKG technician include when preparing a patient for an upcoming exercise stress test?

"Refrain from caffeine, smoking, or alcohol for at least 3 hours prior to the test." Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patient findings indicates myocardial infarction?

Cyanosis Signup and view all the answers

When performing an EKG on an infant, in which of the following locations should the EKG technician place the electrode for lead V3R?

Between V2 and V4 on the right side of the chest Signup and view all the answers

When placing electrodes on the patient for telemetry, in which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the ground electrode?

On the right lower leg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should an EKG technician take when performing a series of EKG readings for a patient with chest pain?

Apply silver electrodes that can be checked daily Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is called to the emergency department to perform a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient. When the technician arrives, the patient is attached to a 5-lead monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician take?

Remove the electrodes for the 5-lead monitor before attaching the electrodes for the 12-lead EKG Signup and view all the answers

When a patient wearing a Holter monitor reports severe chest pain and shortness of breath, which action should the EKG technician take?

Have someone call emergency services while remaining on the call with the patient Signup and view all the answers

How many monitor leads are placed on the patient when applying a Holter monitor?

Five Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is reviewing a tracing for a patient who has a ventricular pacemaker. Which of the following rhythm patterns should the technician expect after a pacing spike?

Wide QRS interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective technique for an EKG technician to verify that a patient understands the Holter monitor instructions?

Have the patient repeat the instructions back Signup and view all the answers

When performing a posterior EKG, which of the following is the correct location for placement of lead V8?

Left midscapular line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the result of atrial depolarization?

P wave Signup and view all the answers

For which patient should an EKG technician expect to see somatic interference on the EKG tracing?

A 20-year-old patient who is experiencing a seizure Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is preparing to perform a standard 12-lead EKG tracing on a patient who has a heart rate of 150/min. Which of the following speed controls should the technician select?

50 mm/second Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is performing an exercise stress test for a patient with ventricular fibrillation. What should the technician do first?

Determine if the patient is responsive Signup and view all the answers

While performing a standard 12-lead EKG, an EKG technician notices that none of the leads are giving a reading. Which of the following limbs should the technician check first when correcting this problem?

Right leg Signup and view all the answers

If an older adult patient is unconscious upon arrival at the emergency department, what should the EKG technician do?

Assume implied consent because the patient's condition is critical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities should an EKG technician instruct a patient to record in the Holter monitor diary?

Bike riding Signup and view all the answers

Which lead groups form Einthoven's triangle?

Leads I, II, and III Signup and view all the answers

Which EKG change indicates that a patient is beginning to show signs of myocardial ischemia?

Depressed ST segment Signup and view all the answers

When performing a stress test, an EKG technician should recognize that the test can be stopped when the patient reaches what percentage of their target heart rate?

85% to 100% Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of a PR interval that spans four small boxes on the EKG paper?

0.16 seconds Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician should follow which of the following recommendations regarding infection control practices in health care settings?

Remove soiled gloves prior to touching uncontaminated surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries is the best location for an EKG technician to use to measure the heart rate for an adult patient following an exercise stress test?

Radial Signup and view all the answers

For a standard 12-lead EKG, which three leads should be placed at the same horizontal level?

Leads V4, V5, and V6 Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is it acceptable for an EKG technician to share a patient's protected health information?

An inquiry for training purposes for the quality assurance office Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should an EKG technician perform for a patient immediately before an exercise stress test?

Measure blood pressure and obtain an EKG while the patient is supine, sitting, and standing up Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sites is the most accurate for an EKG technician to use when measuring a patient's body temperature?

Temporal Signup and view all the answers

What action should an EKG technician take for a patient prescribed contact precautions?

Remove gloves before leaving the patient's room Signup and view all the answers

After completing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient, what should the EKG technician do next?

Check that the tracing is free from artifacts and then disconnect the patient from the machine Signup and view all the answers

During an exercise stress test, a patient reports heaviness on his chest and becomes diaphoretic. The EKG technician should recognize the findings as manifestations of which of the following conditions?

Myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is consistent with bradycardia?

Cold and clammy skin Signup and view all the answers

A thin spike before the P wave indicates that a pacemaker has been implanted to pace which of the following?

Atria Signup and view all the answers

What signs often indicate a patient is experiencing ventricular tachycardia?

Multiple premature ventricular contractions in a row Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is cause for discontinuing a stress test?

ST segment elevation Signup and view all the answers

An EKG technician is educating a patient about home use of an ambulatory monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician instruct the patient to take if any electrodes become loose?

Apply surgical tape to the electrodes to keep them in place Signup and view all the answers

When reviewing EKG tracing that indicates asystole, what should the technician do first?

Check the patient Signup and view all the answers

If a patient with a ventricular pacemaker has a heart rate of 76/min and the pacemaker is set to a rate of 70/min, what should the technician expect to observe?

Pacer spikes do not appear on the tracing Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly used paper speed for an EKG?

25 mm/second Signup and view all the answers

During an exercise stress test to evaluate coronary vascular disease, what action should the technician take?

Report unexpected dysrhythmias during the test Signup and view all the answers

What intervention should the technician expect the provider to prescribe for a patient experiencing heart palpitations?

Holter monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected reference range for a pulse rate of a 2-year-old patient?

120/min Signup and view all the answers

Which vital sign change during an exercise stress test indicates distress in an adult patient?

An increase in respirations from 18 to 36/min Signup and view all the answers

Which method can be used to calculate both regular and irregular rhythms?

6-second method Signup and view all the answers

If an EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on an adult patient who becomes unresponsive, what should the technician do first?

Start chest compressions Signup and view all the answers

What speed setting should an EKG technician use for a patient experiencing accelerated junctional rhythm?

25 mm/second Signup and view all the answers

Which patient should an EKG technician expect to require a chemical stress test?

A patient who is 40 years old and is unable to walk due to the presence of a full leg cast Signup and view all the answers

Which wave should an EKG technician use to determine the regularity of the ventricular rate?

R wave Signup and view all the answers

Which lead is created between the left arm and left leg?

Lead III Signup and view all the answers

What is recorded by lead I of a standard EKG?

Electrical activity between the right arm and left arm Signup and view all the answers

What method should an EKG technician use to calculate a patient's heart rate from the EKG tracing?

Divide 300 by the number of large boxes between two R waves Signup and view all the answers

Which statement by a patient indicates an understanding of care instructions for wearing a Holter monitor?

I should record spontaneous symptoms unrelated to an activity Signup and view all the answers

What term should an EKG technician use when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?

Stickers Signup and view all the answers

What action protects a patient's health information according to HIPAA regulations?

Hand delivering the EKG to the patient's provider Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tort does derogatory comments about a patient's appearance exemplify?

Slander Signup and view all the answers

Which situation constitutes an allowable disclosure of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines?

Patients write their names on a basic sign-in sheet at the registration desk Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with the EKG tracing of a patient with atrial fibrillation?

R-R interval is irregularly irregular Signup and view all the answers

What statement indicates a patient understands home care instructions for a Holter monitor?

I should record spontaneous symptoms unrelated to an activity Signup and view all the answers

What should be used when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?

Stickers Signup and view all the answers

Which action would protect a patient's health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations?

Hand delivering the EKG to the patient's provider Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

EKG Technician Key Concepts

Gain is the function used to control the height of EKG waveforms on the tracing.
Clippers are the recommended method for hair removal at electrode placement sites.
A sinus arrest is a medical emergency when it lasts 6 seconds or longer.
Bipolar leads include Leads I, II, and III.
Resting tab electrodes can conduct accurately for a maximum of two EKG tracings.
For Lead V5, the electrode should be placed on the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to Lead V4.
For a patient with a left leg amputation, place the right leg electrode on the lower right abdomen.
Electrodes should be stored in their original foil-lined packaging to maintain integrity.
The first action to take with a serial EKG showing different rhythms is to verify proper lead placement.
Preparing a patient for telemetry monitoring includes cleaning the skin with an alcohol pad.
Lead V6 should be placed in the left midaxillary line for a child.
The QRS complex measures from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the S wave.
Irregular R-R intervals in young children can be normal due to respiration.
The apical pulse is measured between the fifth and sixth ribs, at the left midclavicular line.
A complete cardiac cycle includes the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
When facing language barriers, using a bilingual staff member for translation is effective.
For transtelephonic monitor usage, patients should press the record button when experiencing symptoms.
In lead II, the expected P wave is rounded and upright.
When unable to share EKG results, communicate that interpretation is the provider's role.
Use an alcohol pad to cleanse skin before electrode placement for a standard 12-lead EKG.
Artifact from improper grounding can show as uniform, small spikes on an EKG tracing.
The carotid artery is commonly used to check pulse during CPR.
A standard 12-lead EKG can reveal changes in heart function from previous tests.
Adverse reactions during an exercise stress test may include tingling sensations in extremities.
During a nuclear stress test, patients should lie supine with arms above the head.
Instruct patients to refrain from caffeine, smoking, or alcohol at least 3 hours before stress tests.
Cyanosis indicates potential myocardial infarction.
For infants, place lead V3R between V2 and V4 on the right side of the chest.
Ground electrodes for telemetry should be placed on the right lower leg.
Discontinue a stress test for signs like ST segment elevation.
Patients with loose Holter monitor electrodes should use surgical tape to secure them.
EKG artifacts might stem from lead corrosion.
Silver electrodes can be used for daily monitoring due to their reliability.
In case of severe symptoms reported by a Holter monitor patient, call emergency services while staying on the line.
A Holter monitor requires placing five leads on the patient.
The most effective technique to ensure patient understanding of Holter monitor instructions is to have them repeat the instructions back.### Patient Experiences and Emergency Responses
In the case of a patient experiencing a seizure, prioritize assessing the patient’s responsiveness.
When ventricular fibrillation is indicated on an EKG during a stress test, the first action should be to determine the patient's responsiveness.
For unconscious older adult patients, assume implied consent for EKG procedures due to their critical condition.

EKG Lead Configurations and Interpretations

Einthoven's triangle is formed by leads I, II, and III.
A depressed ST segment on an EKG tracing indicates myocardial ischemia.
A PR interval spanning four small boxes indicates a duration of 0.16 seconds.
Leads V4, V5, and V6 should be placed at the same horizontal level during a standard 12-lead EKG.

Patient Health Information and EKG Protocol

It is acceptable to share patient protected health information for quality assurance training purposes.
Remove gloves before leaving a patient’s room who is under contact precautions.

EKG Process and Equipment Handling

After performing a 12-lead EKG, check the tracing for artifacts before disconnecting the patient from the machine.
Cold and clammy skin can be an indicator of bradycardia.
Observe for multiple premature ventricular contractions in a row during ventricular tachycardia.

Emergency Situations and Cardiac Rhythm Analysis

When asystole is observed, the first step is to check the patient.
In a patient with a ventricular pacemaker, if the pacemaker is functioning correctly, pacer spikes will not appear on the tracing.

EKG Specifications and Heart Rate Calculations

The most commonly used paper speed for EKGs is 25 mm/second.
During exercise stress tests, report unexpected dysrhythmias immediately.
A 2-year-old’s expected pulse rate is approximately 120/min.
An increase in respirations from 18 to 36/min during an exercise stress test signifies patient distress.

Rhythm Analysis and Calculation Techniques

The 6-second method can be used to calculate both regular and irregular rhythms.
Start chest compressions first if a patient becomes unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse during a 12-lead EKG.

Lead Significance and Interpretive Details

For lead I, it measures electrial activity between the right arm and left arm.
The R wave is used to determine the regularity of the ventricular rate.
Lead III is created between the left arm and left leg.

Patient Information Management and Confidentiality

It's acceptable for patients to write their names on a registration sign-in sheet, complying with HIPAA.
In atrial fibrillation, the R-R interval is irregularly irregular.

Holter Monitor Instructions and Compliance

Patients must record spontaneous symptoms while wearing a Holter monitor and should avoid turning it off.
Use simple terms like "stickers" when explaining electrodes to pediatric patients.

Protecting Patient Information

Delivering the EKG directly to the patient's provider is a proper method to protect patient health information according to HIPAA regulations.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for EKG technicians preparing for certification. Each card presents a question about EKG machine functions and methods, helping you to enhance your skills in the field. Perfect for quick reviews and memorization before the exam.