Question 1

When a run of ventricular tachycardia lasts for greater than 30 seconds,it is called:

Accepted Answer

According to the definition provided in the question, a run of ventricular tachycardia that lasts for greater than 30 seconds is classified as a sustained rhythm. The other options do not accurately describe a run of ventricular tachycardia lasting greater than 30 seconds. Therefore, the correct choice is A) sustained rhythm.

Question 2

The life-threatening dysrhythmia that has the appearance of turning about or a twisting motion along the base line is:

Accepted Answer

Torsades de pointes is a unique type of ventricular tachycardia that is characterized by a twisting or "turning about" appearance on the ECG tracing. It is a life-threatening dysrhythmia that can quickly deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation if not promptly treated. Asystole is the absence of electrical activity in the heart, while supraventricular tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate originating from above the ventricles. While ventricular tachycardia can also be a serious dysrhythmia, it typically does not have the unique twisting appearance seen in torsades de pointes.

Question 3

The commonly accepted rate of accelerated idioventricular rhythm is:

Accepted Answer

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm typically has a rate of 40 to 100 beats per minute (BPM), distinguishing it from slower idioventricular rhythms and faster ventricular tachycardia.

Question 4

The correct choice for immediate defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation is 360 joules of monophasic or equivalent biphasic wave forms.

Accepted Answer

According to the American Heart Association, 360 joules of monophasic or equivalent biphasic wave forms are recommended for immediate defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation.

Question 5

Another term for shape is:

Accepted Answer

The term "morphology" refers specifically to the study of the form or shape of organisms or structures. "Malformed" refers to a shape that is abnormal or distorted, which may not be applicable in all cases. "Salvo" is a term that refers to a simultaneous discharge of weapons or a sudden burst of action or energy, and is not related to the concept of shape. Therefore, A is the best choice as it is the most accurate synonym for shape.

Question 6

The absence of all ventricular activity is known as:

Accepted Answer

All of the above options are correct and can be used interchangeably to describe the absence of ventricular activity.

Question 7

Premature ventricular complexes that are alike in appearance are called:

Accepted Answer

Premature ventricular complexes that are alike in appearance are called unifocal.

Question 8

Ventricular fibrillation waves with amplitudes less than 3 millimeters are considered:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation waves with amplitudes less than 3 millimeters are considered fine.

Question 9

The most important treatment of pulseless electrical activity (PEA)is:

Accepted Answer

The most important treatment for pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is to assess for the underlying cause. This involves a thorough history and physical exam, obtaining vital signs and laboratory studies, and performing focused diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography and ultrasound. Treatment will depend on the identified cause, but interventions may include administering medications such as epinephrine or vasopressin, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and addressing underlying metabolic disturbances. Defibrillation and transcutaneous pacing are not effective in PEA, as there is no mechanical cardiac activity to synchronize. Carotid massage is not indicated in the treatment of PEA and could potentially cause harm.

Question 10

When every other beat is a premature ventricular contraction,it is known as:

Accepted Answer

Bigeminy is a cardiac arrhythmia where every other beat is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). Salvo PVCs refer to three or more PVCs in a row, unifocal PVCs pertain to PVCs originating from the same location in the ventricle, and run of PVCs pertains to four or more consecutive PVCs. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is D (bigeminy).

Question 11

When a run of ventricular tachycardia lasts for less than 30 seconds,it is termed a:

Accepted Answer

When a run of ventricular tachycardia lasts for less than 30 seconds, it is called a nonsustained rhythm. Sustained rhythms last longer than 30 seconds, while monosustained and supersustained rhythms are not terms commonly used in describing ventricular tachycardia.

Question 12

A decreased supply of oxygenated blood to the heart is termed myocardial:

Accepted Answer

Myocardial ischemia refers to a decreased supply of oxygenated blood to the heart, whereas myocardial infarction, necrosis, and injury indicate tissue damage or death due to a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart.

Question 13

The term "torsades de pointes" is derived from a French term meaning:

Accepted Answer

"Torsades de pointes" translates to "twisting of points" in English. This term describes the appearance of the electrocardiogram when the QRS complexes appear to twist around the isoelectric line.

Question 14

The rhythm in which three or more PVCs arise in sequence at a rate of greater than 100 beats per minutes is ventricular:

Accepted Answer

The definition given in the question fits the criteria for ventricular tachycardia (VT). Torsades de pointes is a specific type of VT characterized by a twisting or spiraling pattern on an ECG. Fibrillation refers to a chaotic, disorganized rhythm and asystole refers to absence of any electrical activity in the heart.

Question 15

The QRS complex of ventricular rhythms is usually equal or greater than ________ seconds.

Accepted Answer

The QRS complex of ventricular rhythms is usually equal or greater than 0.12 seconds.

Question 16

Ventricular fibrillation waves with amplitudes greater than 3 millimeters are considered:

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation waves with amplitudes greater than 3 millimeters are considered coarse.

Question 17

A PVC that falls between two sinus beats without interfering with the rhythm is called:

Accepted Answer

A PVC that falls between two sinus beats without interfering with the rhythm is called interpolated. This means that the PVC does not interrupt or disrupt the normal sinus rhythm and is considered benign.

Question 18

A single,ectopic complex that occurs earlier than the next expected complex and arises from the irritable site in the ventricles is called:

Accepted Answer

PVC stands for Premature Ventricular Complex, which is a type of ectopic beat originating from the ventricles and occurring earlier than the anticipated normal heartbeat.

Question 19

When the rate of an idioventricular rhythm falls below 20 beats per minute,it is often referred to as:

Accepted Answer

An idioventricular rhythm is a slow heart rhythm that originates from the ventricles rather than the sinoatrial (SA) node. When the rate of an idioventricular rhythm falls below 20 beats per minute, it is often referred to as agonal, which means the heart is in a state of near-death or cessation of cardiac activity. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. Indeterminate, salvos, and supra atrial are not accurate terms to describe this situation.

Question 20

or more premature ventricular complexes (PVCs)in a row is called:

Accepted Answer

A sequence of three or more premature ventricular complexes in a row is called salvos. Ischemia refers to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle, bigeminy refers to a pattern of irregular heartbeats where every other beat is a PVC, and quadgeminy refers to a pattern of irregular heartbeats where every fourth beat is a PVC.

Quiz 10: Introducing the Ventricular Rhythms