Deck 1: Electrocardiography

Question 1

Ethics are:

A)rules of conduct that are enforced by an authority.
B)statements of cultural values
C)standards of behavior and concepts of right and wrong.
D)determined by government regulations.

Answer 1

standards of behavior and concepts of right and wrong.

Question 2

The abbreviation CAD stands for:

A)cold appendage disorder.
B)coronary application disease.
C)cerebral artery disease.
D)coronary artery disease.

Answer 2

coronary artery disease.

Question 3

A "stat" ECG is done:

A)yearly, as part of a routine physical.
B)immediately.
C)in the early morning.
D)before surgery.

Answer 3

immediately.

Question 4

Which of the following is not included in standard precautions?

A)Proper hand hygiene
B)Sterilizing the ECG machine
C)Wearing gown, mask, and eye protection
D)Use of gloves

Question 5

Your patient states, "I do not want that electricity going through me!" as you are getting ready to perform an ECG on him. The best response is to:

A)explain that the ECG machine is not harmful and does not produce electricity.
B)ask the patient to please lie down and be still.
C)show the patient that you will not plug the ECG machine into the wall outlet.
D)go get the physician and have him explain the procedure to the patient.

Question 6

The first electrocardiograph was invented by:

A)Sir Thomas Lewis.
B)Willem Einthoven.
C)Thomas Edison.
D)Dr. James Herrick.

Question 7

Continuous ECG monitoring done in a hospital setting with a small transmitter box is known as:

A)Holter monitoring.
B)telemetry monitoring.
C)exercise electrocardiography.
D)echocardiography.

Question 8

The abbreviation for myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is:

A)IM.
B)HA.
C)MI.
D)MCI.

Question 9

Who should sign the consent form if a patient cannot read or write?

A)The patient's physician
B)A co-worker
C)A family member of the patient
D)Your supervisor

Question 10

Which of the following topics is the least important for an ECG technician to understand?

A)Medical law and ethics
B)Infection control
C)The procedure and the ECG machine
D)Detailed evaluation of ECG results

Question 11

What does the electrocardiogram or ECG detect?

A)The electrical activity of the heart
B)The muscle contractions of the heart
C)High blood pressure readings
D)The volume of blood pumped per minute

Question 12

Which of the following is not implied consent?

A)Patient agreeing to be treated by the physician
B)Patient signing a consent form for a treadmill stress test
C)Patient agreeing to have an ECG
D)Patient coming to the doctor's office for care

Question 13

What device enables lay rescuers to help a patient with sudden cardiac arrest?

A)Automatic external defibrillator (AED)
B)Telemedicine monitor
C)Pacemaker
D)12-lead ECG

Question 14

Which of these tests is least likely done in a doctor's office?

A)Treadmill stress testing
B)Holter monitor
C)12-lead ECG
D)Cardiac catheterization

Question 15

If the patient asks questions after you have explained the ECG procedure, you should:

A)repeat the instructions and clarify any questions the patient has.
B)ask the physician to answer the patient's questions.
C)perform the ECG as ordered.
D)have a co-worker explain the procedure to the patient.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of practicing ethics as a healthcare professional?

A)Maintaining professional liability insurance
B)Educating patients about the ECG procedure
C)Maintaining patient confidentiality
D)Troubleshooting the ECG machine

Question 17

HIPAA stands for:

A)Health Information Privacy and Availability Act.
B)Health Insurance Professionals Accounting Act.
C)Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
D)Health Information Portability and Alternative Act.

Question 18

What is the number one cause of death in the United States?

A)Cancer
B)Diabetes
C)Cardiovascular disease
D)Accidents

Question 19

An electrocardiograph (ECG)technician should be able to:

A)determine if an ECG tracing is accurate.
B)interpret the findings of an ECG tracing.
C)discuss the results of an ECG with the patient.
D)recommend patient care based on ECG findings.

Question 20

An ECG monitor technician's main responsibility is to:

A)view the ECG tracings and alert the health care professional of an abnormal heart rhythm.
B)assist the physicians with invasive cardiovascular diagnostic tests.
C)perform ultrasounds of the heart and blood vessels.
D)repair hospital telemetry monitors.

Question 21

You have been asked to perform an ECG on a hospital patient in ICU. When you reach the patient's room, you notice that the patient is under airborne precautions. In addition to gloves, which of the following PPE should you wear while you perform the ECG?

A)Gown
B)Goggles
C)Face mask
D)HEPA respirator

Question 22

An electrocardiograph is a(n):

A)electrical tracing of the heart's activity.
B)picture of the heart recorded using ultrasound.
C)instrument used to record blood flow through the heart.
D)instrument used to record a tracing of the heart's electrical activity.

Question 23

Which device recognizes an abnormal rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to the heart if necessary?

A)ECG
B)CAD
C)MSET
D)AED

Question 24

Which of the following include measures to ensure that patients' health information is protected?

A)Standard precautions
B)Isolation precautions
C)HIPAA
D)CDC

Question 25

What does the term "Code Blue" mean when used in a hospital setting?

A)A biohazard spill has occurred in the hospital.
B)Severe weather is imminent.
C)A patient is experiencing pain around the heart.
D)A patient is unresponsive and needs immediate assistance.

Question 26

Slander is an illegal and unethical act and is defined as:

A)writing defamatory words.
B)violating patient confidentiality.
C)making derogatory remarks about someone.
D)failing to obtain informed consent.

Question 27

The single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection while performing ECGs is to:

A)wear appropriate PPE.
B)perform proper hand hygiene.
C)follow standard precautions.
D)follow isolation precautions.

Question 28

You have just finished performing an ECG on a hospital patient who is known to have a Clostridium difficile infection when you are called to perform a stat ECG in the emergency department. Which of the following is your best course of action?

A)Proceed to the emergency department immediately to perform the ECG.
B)Quickly apply an alcohol-based hand rub while you are on your way to the emergency department.
C)Remove all PPE and wash your hands thoroughly before proceeding to the emergency department.
D)Wash your hands but leave the PPE in place to save time because you may need it for the emergency patient as well.

Question 29

________ means writing defamatory words. It is illegal and unethical and could result in the loss of your job.

A)HIPAA
B)Libel
C)Consent
D)Liability

Question 30

The second level of procedures implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)to prevent infections is known as:

A)isolation precautions.
B)vital signs.
C)body mechanics.
D)standard precautions.

Question 31

PPE is used to reduce the risk of transmission of infection. PPE stands for:

A)personal protective equipment.
B)possible percutaneous exposure.
C)pulmonary protection equipment.
D)patient protective electrocardiograph.

Question 32

The term for an abnormal heartbeat is:

A)angioplasty.
B)dysrhythmia.
C)myocardial infarction.
D)coronary artery disease.

Question 33

Narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood is a condition known as:

A)myocardial infarction.
B)coronary artery disease.
C)dysrhythmia.
D)hypotension.

Question 34

The problem-solving process includes which of the following steps?

A)Identify and define the problem.
B)Inform the patient of the problem.
C)Report the problem to a supervisor.
D)Obtain informed consent from the patient.

Question 35

The use of an alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene is appropriate:

A)when there is no visible soilage on your hands.
B)after a patient sneezes, spraying your ungloved hands.
C)whenever your hands look and feel dirty.
D)after accidental direct contact with blood or body fluids.

Question 36

The ________ monitor allows the patient to participate in normal daily activities while the electrical activity of the heart is being recorded.

A)Holter
B)biphasic
C)multichannel
D)telemetry

Question 37

Which of the following is not a reason for performing an ECG?

A)To determine if there is a blockage in a coronary artery
B)To check for heart rhythm abnormalities
C)To document irregular heartbeats
D)As part of a yearly, routine physical exam

Question 38

You have a patient that can only sign an "X" on the consent form. You need to:

A)leave the consent form blank.
B)explain the procedure to the patient with a witness present, have the patient place an X on the form, and have the witness sign the form also.
C)explain the reason the patient only signed an "X" on the consent form.
D)have the physician sign the consent form.

Question 39

When caring for patients and recording an ECG, you may encounter many situations that require you to:

A)think critically about the situation.
B)perform the ECG before getting the patient's informed consent.
C)not worry about what the patient may tell you.
D)ask a supervisor to perform the ECG.

Question 40

Procedures that are used with all patients to prevent the spread of infection are:

A)airborne precautions.
B)standard precautions.
C)contact precautions.
D)droplet precautions.

Question 41

The force at which blood is pumped against the walls of the arteries is a person's:

A)cardiac output.
B)blood pressure.
C)stroke volume.
D)pulse.

Question 42

Slander and libel are:

A)nearly impossible to prove.
B)ethical but not illegal.
C)illegal but not unethical.
D)both illegal and unethical.

Question 43

For how long should you count a patient's respirations?

A)15 seconds
B)30 seconds
C)45 seconds
D)60 seconds

Question 44

All of the following factors can affect a person's blood pressure except:

A)blood volume.
B)blood type.
C)cardiac output.
D)blood thickness.

Question 45

The minimum amount of pressure that is exerted against the walls of blood vessels at all times is the:

A)diastolic blood pressure.
B)systolic blood pressure.
C)cardiac output.
D)pulse.

Question 46

The adult pulse is most commonly measured at the:

A)brachial artery at the antecubital space.
B)radial artery at the wrist.
C)temporal artery at the forehead.
D)carotid artery at the neck.

Question 47

Cardiac dysrhythmias are:

A)the natural rhythm of the heart.
B)abnormal heartbeats.
C)the natural result of physical activity.
D)considered normal in pediatric patients.

Question 48

The reason for determining a patient's palpatory blood pressure is:

A)because it is faster and more accurate than using a stethoscope to measure blood pressure.
B)to ensure that the patient's cardiac output is sufficient before measuring blood pressure.
C)to find the patient's vein so that you can place the stethoscope accurately.
D)to avoid over- or underinflation of the blood pressure cuff.

Question 49

To measure a patient's blood pressure, you would place the blood pressure cuff:

A)midway between the wrist and the elbow.
B)around the antecubital space at the elbow.
C)1 to 2 inches above the antecubital space.
D)3 to 4 inches above the antecubital space.

Question 50

If a patient refuses to sign the informed consent form for an ECG, a good example of troubleshooting is to:

A)have a witness present and carry on with the procedure.
B)explain to the patient how the procedure works in order to get his/her consent.
C)have a relative sign the consent form.
D)put an X on the consent form to indicate that the patient was not competent.

Question 51

The amount of blood the heart pumps each minute is known as the:

A)diastolic blood pressure.
B)systolic blood pressure.
C)pulse.
D)cardiac output.

Question 52

The normal range for respirations in adults is:

A)12 to 20 respirations per minute.
B)22 to 30 respirations per minute.
C)40 to 50 respirations per minute.
D)60 to 100 respirations per minute.

Question 53

During her last two doctor appointments, a patient's blood pressure was measured at 160/92 and 156/94. The physician has not been able to identify a cause for these blood pressure readings. This patient has:

A)hypotension.
B)low cardiac output.
C)essential hypertension.
D)secondary hypertension.

Question 54

Which of the following statements best describes the action you should take after performing an ECG on an accident patient whose chest is abraded and bloody?

A)Clean the electrodes thoroughly before using them on another patient.
B)Use a mild soap to clean the ECG machine without harming its sensitive electronics.
C)Clean, disinfect, or sterilize all reusable equipment before using it again.
D)Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning the ECG machine.

Question 55

Which of the following items is not included in an assessment of a patient's vital signs?

A)Respiration
B)Pain assessment
C)Level of consciousness
D)Blood pressure

Question 56

One out of every ________ American adults has some form of coronary artery disease.

A)five
B)three
C)six
D)ten

Question 57

A patient who is having difficulty breathing is said to have:

A)hyperpnea.
B)tachypnea.
C)dyspnea.
D)apnea.

Question 58

A person who has tachypnea is:

A)breathing deeply.
B)breathing rapidly.
C)having trouble breathing.
D)finding it painful to breathe.

Question 59

Which of the following is not a specific type of isolation precaution implemented for hospitalized patients?

A)AIDS precautions
B)Droplet precautions
C)Airborne precautions
D)Contact precautions

Question 60

A blood pressure measurement that is determined using a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope is known as a(n):

A)palpatory blood pressure.
B)systolic blood pressure.
C)diastolic blood pressure.
D)auscultated blood pressure.

Question 61

Which of the following is most important to perform prior to performing an ECG?

A)Explain to the patient what you are going to do before you do it
B)Take your assigned break
C)Remove your gloves
D)Don a mask

Question 62

Which of the following techniques is the BEST demonstration of proper body mechanics?

A)Lift with your legs, not your back
B)Always move patients without assistance
C)Face in the opposite direction that you intend to move
D)Keep heavy weights as far away from your body as possible

Question 63

Medical record documentation requires all the following EXCEPT:

A)Medications and prescriptions
B)Patient's medical history
C)Physician examination and results
D)Foster parent medical history

Question 64

Which of the following types of hypertension has no known cause?

A)Essential (Idiopathic)
B)Adventitious
C)Secondary
D)Hypovolemic

Question 65

Which of the following monitoring methods is performed while the patient is outside of the hospital/clinical setting?

A)Stress test
B)Telemetry
C)Pacemaker implantation
D)Transtelephonic monitoring

Question 66

What is the approximate size and shape of the smallest transtelephonic monitor?

A)Pencil eraser
B)Candy bar
C)Jump drive or credit card
D)Pack of cigarettes

Question 67

A patient complains of feeling lightheaded and having frequent fainting spells. Which test might the physician order to determine whether a drop in heart rate or blood pressure may be causing the patient's symptoms?

A)Holter monitoring
B)Angiogram
C)Tilt table test
D)ECG

Question 68

You have been asked to perform an ECG on a hospital patient who is known to have infectious pulmonary tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should you take?

A)Standard precautions only
B)Standard precautions and airborne precautions
C)Standard precautions and droplet precautions
D)Standard precautions and contact precautions

Question 69

The term ethics is defined as:

A)Standards of behavior and concepts of right and wrong
B)The principles and regulations established in a community by some authority
C)Something that is handed down
D)The limit which the law allows for specific education and experience, to perform certain acts

Question 70

Which of the following is least likely to help the ECG technician maintain infection control while performing an ECG procedure?

A)Use standard precautions.
B)Wash hands prior to the procedure.
C)Wear gloves if there is a risk of exposure to the patient's blood or other body fluids.
D)Be sure the patient is not touching the bed frame.

Question 71

You have been asked to perform an ECG on a patient who is known to be infected by the varicella virus. You have not had chickenpox, and you have not been vaccinated against it. What should you do?

A)Observe the usual standard precautions while performing the ECG.
B)Wear gloves and respiratory protection while performing the ECG.
C)Wear gloves and eye protection while performing the ECG.
D)Wear a disposable gown while performing the ECG.