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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > Health

Ace the EKG Quiz Practice Test

Master real EKG exam questions and quizzes

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 12
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting an EKG Essentials Quiz for nursing and allied health students.

What does an EKG measure?
Blood flow through the arteries
Mechanical contraction of the heart muscle
Oxygen saturation in the blood
Electrical impulses of the heart
An EKG records the electrical activity that triggers the heart's contractions. It does not measure blood flow or oxygen levels, which are evaluated by other diagnostic tests.
Which wave on an EKG represents atrial depolarization?
T wave
QRS complex
P wave
U wave
The P wave reflects the depolarization of the atria, marking the start of the heart's electrical cycle. It is the first deflection seen on a standard EKG tracing.
What is the normal duration of the QRS complex on an EKG?
0.12 to 0.20 seconds
Less than 0.04 seconds
0.20 to 0.30 seconds
0.06 to 0.10 seconds
A normal QRS complex typically lasts between 0.06 and 0.10 seconds, indicating efficient ventricular depolarization. Durations outside this range may signal conduction abnormalities.
What does the T wave on an EKG represent?
Ventricular depolarization
Atrial depolarization
Ventricular repolarization
Atrial repolarization
The T wave reflects the repolarization process of the ventricles, indicating recovery after contraction. This wave is crucial for assessing the heart's recovery phase following depolarization.
Which lead is most commonly used to assess overall heart rhythm on an EKG?
Lead V5
aVR
Lead I
Lead II
Lead II is frequently used because it offers a clear view of the heart's electrical cycle and rhythm. Its orientation provides an excellent overall assessment of cardiac rhythm.
Using the 300 rule, if there are 5 large squares between QRS complexes, what is the approximate heart rate?
75 beats per minute
150 beats per minute
60 beats per minute
100 beats per minute
The 300 rule is applied by dividing 300 by the number of large squares between successive QRS complexes. With 5 squares, the heart rate calculates to approximately 60 beats per minute.
What is the normal range for the PR interval on an EKG?
0.12 to 0.20 seconds
0.20 to 0.32 seconds
0.04 to 0.08 seconds
0.08 to 0.10 seconds
A normal PR interval ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds, representing the time taken for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. Deviations from this interval may indicate conduction delays or blocks.
A prolonged QRS complex is typically indicative of which condition?
Conduction delay in the ventricles
Increased heart rate
Normal variation
Atrial enlargement
A widened QRS complex usually indicates delayed conduction through the ventricles, often caused by conditions such as bundle branch blocks. It is not a normal finding in healthy cardiac activity.
Which lead provides a left lateral perspective of the heart in an EKG?
aVR
Lead III
Lead II
Lead I
Lead I is oriented horizontally and offers a view of the heart's left lateral wall. It is particularly useful for assessing lateral electrical activity.
ST-segment elevation on an EKG is most commonly associated with which clinical condition?
Ventricular fibrillation
Normal finding
Bradycardia
Acute myocardial infarction
ST-segment elevation is a key indicator of acute myocardial infarction, suggesting significant injury to the heart muscle. This change is not observed in normal, healthy EKG readings.
What does axis deviation on an EKG represent?
Enhanced QRS amplitude
Abnormal direction of the heart's electrical activity
Atrial fibrillation
A faster than normal heart rate
Axis deviation refers to a shift in the overall direction of the heart's electrical activity. Such deviations can be a sign of underlying structural or conduction abnormalities.
Which component of the EKG tracing corresponds to ventricular repolarization?
P wave
T wave
PR segment
QRS complex
The T wave is produced by the repolarization of the ventricles following their contraction. This component is crucial for understanding the recovery phase of cardiac electrical activity.
How many leads are recorded from the limbs in a standard 12-lead EKG?
12
6
3
4
A standard 12-lead EKG includes six limb leads: three bipolar (I, II, III) and three augmented (aVR, aVL, aVF). These leads provide multiple perspectives of the heart's electrical activity.
An inverted T wave on an EKG is most suggestive of which condition?
Myocardial ischemia
Sinus tachycardia
Normal EKG variant
Atrial fibrillation
An inverted T wave is often associated with myocardial ischemia or other pathologic conditions affecting the heart. It signifies abnormalities in the repolarization of the ventricles.
Which lead is typically best for evaluating the inferior portion of the heart on an EKG?
Lead I
Lead II
Lead V1
aVL
Lead II, along with leads III and aVF, is used to evaluate the inferior wall of the heart. It provides a clear depiction of electrical activity in that region.
A widened QRS complex with a slurred upstroke (delta wave) is most commonly associated with which condition?
Acute myocardial infarction
Ventricular fibrillation
Complete heart block
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
The combination of a delta wave and widened QRS complex is characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which involves an accessory conduction pathway. This leads to early ventricular depolarization, producing the classic delta wave appearance.
Which bundle branch block is typically identified by a widened QRS complex with notched R waves in the lateral leads?
Right bundle branch block
Left bundle branch block
Bifascicular block
Left anterior fascicular block
Left bundle branch block is characterized by a widened QRS complex and notched or slurred R waves in leads such as I, V5, and V6. This pattern reflects the delayed activation of the left ventricle.
QRS axis deviation to the left on an EKG is most often indicative of which condition?
Left ventricular hypertrophy or left anterior fascicular block
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Atrial fibrillation
Electrolyte imbalance
A leftward shift in the QRS axis suggests structural changes such as left ventricular hypertrophy or conduction disturbances like left anterior fascicular block. This deviation indicates that the overall direction of the heart's electrical activity has shifted.
Which EKG finding helps differentiate ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?
Assessing the QT interval
Measuring the PR interval
Identifying P wave morphology
Evaluating AV dissociation
AV dissociation, where the atria and ventricles beat independently, is a hallmark of ventricular tachycardia. This finding helps distinguish VT from SVT, in which the atrial and ventricular activities are typically synchronized.
An EKG showing an irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves and narrow QRS complexes most consistently points to which arrhythmia?
Sinus arrhythmia
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter
Premature ventricular contractions
The absence of distinct P waves coupled with an irregularly irregular rhythm is a classic presentation of atrial fibrillation. This arrhythmia is characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the atria, leading to variable ventricular responses.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify key components of an EKG waveform, including P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves.
  2. Analyze EKG tracings to recognize normal and abnormal patterns.
  3. Interpret the clinical implications of various EKG intervals and segments.
  4. Apply foundational electrocardiography concepts to solve exam-style practice questions.
  5. Assess common diagnostic challenges and potential pitfalls in EKG interpretation.

EKG Quiz - Practice Exam Questions Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the key components of an EKG - Think of the EKG as your heart's secret language: the P wave is the atria saying "ready," the QRS complex is the ventricles shouting "go," and the T wave is the recovery wave. Mastering these three waves gives you superhero vision for any rhythm strip. ECG Waveform Components Guide
  2. Master the normal intervals - The PR interval (0.12 - 0.20 seconds) and QRS duration (0.06 - 0.12 seconds) are your sizing tools for conduction timing. Spotting anything outside these ranges screams "abnormal conduction" and helps you catch problems early. Interpret EKGs & Heart Rhythms
  3. Calculate heart rate in a flash - Count the large boxes between two R waves and divide 300 by that number for a speedy heart rate estimate. It's like mental math meets cardiology - fast, fun, and ridiculously useful in crunch time. Interpret EKGs & Heart Rhythms
  4. Recognize common arrhythmias - Get cozy with sinus bradycardia (<60 bpm), sinus tachycardia (>100 bpm), and atrial fibrillation (irregular rhythm, no clear P waves). Nailing these patterns is a game-changer for patient care. EKG Interpretation Cheat Sheet
  5. Spot ST segment changes - ST elevation often says "MI alert," while depression whispers "ischemia." Quick recognition can mean the difference between "just reading" and "saving lives." ST Segment Quick Reference
  6. Familiarize yourself with heart blocks - First-degree is a PR interval that drags its feet, second-degree randomly drops beats, and third-degree totally disconnects atria from ventricles. Each degree has a signature EKG look you'll soon spot in your sleep. EKG Interpretation Cheat Sheet
  7. Practice a systematic approach - Always check rate, rhythm, P wave shape, PR interval, QRS width, and ST segment - rinse and repeat! A reliable step-by-step keeps you sharp and confident every time. EKG Interpretation Cheat Sheet
  8. Use fun mnemonics - Remember "Lovers Try Punching Real Villains" for Rate, Rhythm, P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, and T wave. Mnemonics turn complexity into memory gold stars. EKG Mnemonic Magic
  9. Know medication and electrolyte effects - Hyperkalemia gives you peaked T waves, hypokalemia flattens them, and drugs can add their own quirks. Recognizing these tweaks helps you adjust treatment like a pro. Electrolytes & EKG Changes
  10. Drill with real EKG strips - The more you practice, the more patterns become second nature. Use quizzes and flashcards to track progress and turn study time into heart-hero training. EKG Practice Quiz
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