#1
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of atrial fibrillation?
Absence of P waves
ExplanationAtrial fibrillation is characterized by chaotic, irregular atrial activity without distinct P waves on the ECG.
#2
Which of the following is a hallmark of sinus bradycardia?
Heart rate < 60 bpm
ExplanationSinus bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute, a hallmark of this rhythm disorder.
#3
Which of the following ECG findings is characteristic of atrial flutter?
Sawtooth pattern
ExplanationAtrial flutter is recognized by a sawtooth pattern on the ECG due to rapid and organized atrial contractions.
#4
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of premature atrial contractions (PACs)?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
ExplanationPremature atrial contractions (PACs) are usually not associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; other factors like stress and caffeine are common triggers.
#5
Which of the following ECG findings is characteristic of sinus tachycardia?
Regular rhythm with normal PR interval
ExplanationSinus tachycardia is identified by a regular rhythm with a normal PR interval on the ECG, caused by an increased heart rate originating from the sinus node.
#6
What is the most common cause of ventricular fibrillation?
Coronary artery disease
ExplanationCoronary artery disease is a leading cause of ventricular fibrillation, disrupting normal heart rhythm.
#7
What is the primary treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in hemodynamically stable patients?
Vagal maneuvers
ExplanationVagal maneuvers, like carotid massage, are the first-line treatment for stable SVT to slow down the heart rate.
#8
What is the typical ECG finding in a patient with atrioventricular (AV) block?
Prolonged PR interval
ExplanationAtrioventricular (AV) block is identified by a prolonged PR interval on the ECG, indicating delayed conduction between the atria and ventricles.
#9
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of ventricular tachycardia?
Absence of P waves
ExplanationVentricular tachycardia is marked by a rapid, regular heartbeat originating in the ventricles, with no discernible P waves on the ECG.
#10
What is the hallmark ECG finding in hyperkalemia?
Peaked T waves
ExplanationHyperkalemia manifests with peaked T waves on the ECG, reflecting an elevated potassium level affecting cardiac repolarization.
#11
Which medication is commonly used for rate control in atrial fibrillation?
Verapamil
ExplanationVerapamil is often used for rate control in atrial fibrillation by slowing down the heart's conduction through the AV node.
#12
Which ECG pattern is characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
Delta waves
ExplanationWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is identified by the presence of delta waves on the ECG due to an accessory pathway.
#13
What is a potential complication of prolonged QT interval?
Syncope
ExplanationProlonged QT interval can lead to syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness, due to abnormal heart rhythms.
#14
What is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
ExplanationSudden cardiac death in young athletes is often linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.
#15
What is the primary treatment for torsades de pointes?
Magnesium sulfate
ExplanationTorsades de pointes, a type of ventricular tachycardia, is treated with magnesium sulfate to stabilize the heart rhythm.
#16
What is the most common type of ventricular arrhythmia associated with a structurally normal heart?
Premature ventricular contractions
ExplanationPremature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are the most common type of ventricular arrhythmia in individuals with a structurally normal heart.
#17
Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with a prolonged QT interval on ECG?
Hypomagnesemia
ExplanationHypomagnesemia is often linked to a prolonged QT interval on the ECG, affecting the heart's electrical activity.