Question 1

The second step of analyzing an ECG rhythm is to:

Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

The distance between consecutive R waves should:

Accepted Answer

The distance between consecutive R waves, representing one cardiac cycle, should be the same in a normal, regular heart rhythm, indicating a consistent heart rate.

Question 3

The distance between two consecutive P waves is referred to as the:

Accepted Answer

The distance between two consecutive P waves is referred to as the P-P interval, which measures the time between the beginnings of one P wave and the next, indicating the atrial rhythm regularity.

Question 4

Which of the following methods used to determine the regularity of a rhythm, is among the most accurate and requires you to use a specific device?

Accepted Answer

Using calipers is among the most accurate methods for determining the regularity of a rhythm. Calipers are a specific device used to precisely measure the distance between two points, such as the R-R interval on an ECG, allowing for a highly accurate assessment of rhythm regularity.

Question 5

The paper and pen method of determining heart regularity:

Accepted Answer

The paper and pen method is a simple and quick way to assess heart regularity by observing the spacing between QRS complexes on an ECG strip.

Question 6

When the rhythm appears mostly regular but from time to time you see an area where it is irregular it is called __________ irregular.

Accepted Answer

When the rhythm is mostly regular with occasional irregularities, it is described as "occasionally" irregular. This term accurately reflects the sporadic nature of the irregularity within an otherwise regular rhythm.

Question 7

The areas of the ECG tracing which are the same and against which we can measure the other R-R intervals are called the:

Accepted Answer

The baseline in an ECG tracing is the flat, horizontal line that represents the period when the electrical activity of the heart is at rest. It serves as a reference point against which other parts of the ECG, such as the R-R intervals, can be measured to assess rhythm and identify abnormalities.

Question 8

Early beats:

Accepted Answer

Early beats, also known as premature beats, occur earlier than expected in the cardiac cycle, disrupting the regular rhythm.

Question 9

A pause or arrest of the SA node:

Accepted Answer

A pause or arrest of the SA node results in a sudden absence of a P wave, QRS complex, and T wave in an otherwise normal-looking rhythm, as the SA node is responsible for initiating the heart's electrical impulse that leads to these waveforms on an ECG.

Question 10

Frequent pauses in the firing of the SA node can:

Accepted Answer

Frequent pauses in the firing of the SA node can lead to a slower heart rate, known as bradycardia, as the SA node is responsible for setting the pace of the heartbeat.

Question 11

The rhythm is called slightly irregular when:

Accepted Answer

A slightly irregular rhythm is characterized by minor variations in the P-P and R-R intervals, indicating slight inconsistencies in the heart's rhythm without significant or patterned disruptions.

Question 12

The term ________ is used to describe a dysrhythmia that has a sudden, rapid onset.

Accepted Answer

The term "paroxysmal" is used to describe a dysrhythmia (or any medical symptom) that has a sudden, rapid onset. It indicates an abrupt start and often a temporary condition.

Question 13

Early beats that occur every other (second) complex, every third complex or every fourth complex produce ________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

Patterned irregularity is observed when early beats occur in a consistent pattern, such as every other, every third, or every fourth complex. This creates a recognizable rhythm pattern, hence the term "patterned."

Question 14

When a rhythm speeds up and slows down in a rhythmic fashion it is referred to as _________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

Patterned irregularity refers to a rhythm that speeds up and slows down in a consistent, rhythmic pattern.

Question 15

The dysrhythmia that produces a totally irregular rhythm occurs due to:

Accepted Answer

A totally irregular rhythm is typically caused by atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by rapid, chaotic firing of the atria.

Question 16

When the atrial to ventricular conduction ratio changes in various dysrhythmias it:

Accepted Answer

Changes in the atrial to ventricular conduction ratio can alter the timing of ventricular contractions, leading to variations in the distance between R-R intervals on an ECG, which manifests as an irregular rhythm.

Question 17

Your 29 year old patient has a heart rate of 76 BPM. Analysis of the ECG reveals an irregular rhythm with one upright P wave preceding each narrow QRS complex. The heart rate seems to speed up and slow down on a cyclical basis. This type of irregularity is called ________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

The description matches a patterned irregularity known as "sinus arrhythmia," where the heart rate increases with inspiration and decreases with expiration, showing a cyclical pattern of speeding up and slowing down. This is a normal variation in heart rhythm.

Question 18

Your 100 year old patient has a heart rate of 70 BPM but then it suddenly accelerates to 180 BPM for a short time and then it goes back to the original rate. Analysis of the ECG reveals a regular rhythm with one upright P wave preceding each narrow QRS complex (until it suddenly accelerates). The fast heart rate shows wide QRS complexes without a P wave preceding them. This type of irregularity is called ________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

The description matches paroxysmal irregularity, where the heart rate suddenly accelerates for a short period and then returns to normal. This is characteristic of paroxysmal tachycardia, where episodes of fast heart rates start and stop abruptly.

Question 19

Your 50 year old patient has a heart rate of 110 BPM. Analysis of the ECG reveals an irregularly irregular rhythm with a chaotic looking baseline preceding each narrow QRS complex. This type of irregularity is called ________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

The description provided matches atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm and a chaotic baseline. This type of irregularity is referred to as "totally" irregular, meaning there is no predictable pattern to the heartbeats.

Question 20

Your 71 year old patient has a heart rate of 50 BPM. Analysis of the ECG reveals an irregular rhythm with one and sometimes two upright P waves preceding each narrow QRS complex. This occurs in a cyclical basis. This type of irregularity is called ________ irregularity.

Accepted Answer

The description of the ECG irregularity, where one and sometimes two upright P waves precede each narrow QRS complex in a cyclical basis, is indicative of a patterned irregularity. This means the irregularity follows a recognizable pattern or cycle, as opposed to being completely random (totally irregular) or occurring sporadically (occasional). Paroxysmal refers to sudden onset of symptoms, which does not directly relate to the patterned nature of the irregularity described.

Quiz 5: Regularity