Exam 11: Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram

Why is the electrical signal delayed slightly at the AV node? 1) To allow better filling of the ventricles 2) To protect the ventricles against excessively rapid atrial rates 3) To provide time for atrial contraction prior to ventricular systole 4) To prevent premature atrial beats from reaching the ventricles

The normal QRS complex does not exceed what time on the horizontal axis?

Which chamber is responsible for pumping blood into the pulmonary circulation?

What dysrhythmia is characterized by a sawtooth pattern of waves between normal QRS complexes on the ECG tracing?

Which of the following dysrhythmias is associated with the lowest cardiac output?

Which of the following would describe the ECG of a patient with atrial fibrillation?

Which of the following would be a typical ECG finding in a patient with emphysema?

In the terminology for three of the limb leads-aV_R, aV_L, and aV_F-what does the letter "A" stand for?

What dysrhythmia often follows sustained ventricular tachycardia?

Which chamber normally has the largest muscle mass?

A patient who has atrial fibrillation is at risk for which of the following pulmonary conditions?

Why is it important for a respiratory therapist (RT) to be able to identify cardiac dysrhythmias?

What is the ventricular heart rate when the AV node paces the heart?

What term applies to any heartbeat that originates outside the SA node?

What is the normal range for the PR interval?

Which of the following are associated with the onset of dysrhythmias? 1) Hypoxia 2) Electrolyte imbalances 3) Sympathetic stimulation 4) Pulmonary hypertension

Which of the following are common causes of tachycardia? 1) Pain 2) Fever 3) Hypoxemia 4) Hypothyroidism

Which of the following is a characteristic of third-degree heart block?

A patient complaining of chest pain that has not been relieved by nitroglycerin should be treated with all of the following except:

What is the upper limit in height of the normal P wave?