Mastering EKG Rhythm Analysis Quiz

In EKG paper, a small square represents a duration of 0.04 seconds.

Rhythm analysis focuses on assessing the electrical activity of the heart, not parameters like blood pressure, respiratory rate, or temperature.

The normal EKG interval measurements are PR interval = 0.12- 0.20 sec, QRS complex = 0.04- 0.10 sec, QT interval = 0.32- 0.40 sec, deviations from these ranges can indicate cardiac abnormalities and should be further evaluated.

Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) is characterized by a regular rhythm with a heart rate between 60-100 bpm. The P wave should be 1 per QRS complex and all P waves should look alike. The PR interval should be between 0.12-0.20 sec, QRS complex duration between 0.04-0.10 sec with all QRS complexes looking alike, and QT interval between 0.32-0.40 sec.

Sinus Bradycardia is a condition characterized by a slower than normal heart rate (usually less than 60 beats per minute). It is not the same as an irregular heart rhythm or decreased blood pressure.

A sinus pause is characterized by a brief period where the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, fails to fire causing a skipped heartbeat for less than 3 seconds.

Sinus Arrest is a condition where there is a pause in heartbeats for more than 3 seconds, causing a skipped beat. This is different from increased heart rate, regular heart rhythm, and premature ventricular contractions.

Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) is characterized by an early beat in an otherwise regular rhythm, with the P waves potentially looking different from each other.

Atrial Fibrillation is characterized by irregular electrical activity in the atria leading to uncoordinated contractions. This results in a rapid atrial rate (often above 400) and irregular ventricular rate. The absence of P waves, along with the irregular rhythm, distinguish Atrial Fibrillation from other cardiac arrhythmias.

Premature Junctional Contraction (PJC) typically presents as a regular rhythm except where early beats may depend on URPs (Upside Down P Waves) - inverted, precede, buried, or follow the QRS complex. Additionally, the interval is narrow with a duration of less than 0.12 seconds.

Junctional Tachycardia is characterized by a regular rhythm where the heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute and a narrow PR interval of less than 0.12 seconds.

1st Degree AV Block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval (> 0.20 seconds), indicating delayed conduction through the atrioventricular node.

2nd Degree AV Block Type 1, also known as Wenckebach or Mobitz 1, is characterized by progressive lengthening of the PR interval with each beat until eventually a QRS complex is dropped. This pattern repeats, leading to more P waves than QRS complexes, a normal QRS complex, and a cyclic pattern of dropped beats.

2nd Degree AV Block Type 2 (Mobitz 2) is characterized by a PR interval that may be normal or prolonged, but all QRS complexes are normal, with intermittent dropped beats in a cyclical pattern.

Sinus tachycardia is defined as a heart rate between 100-160 beats per minute. It is important to differentiate it from other types of tachycardia based on the heart rate range.

Atrial Tachycardia is characterized by a heart rate range of 150-250 bpm, with the inability to differentiate between Ps and Ts due to the PR interval not being measured. Therefore, options stating differently heart rate ranges or different types of tachycardia are incorrect.

Atrial flutter is characterized by a rapid rate of 250-350 bpm, with more P waves than QRS complexes resulting in a 'saw tooth' pattern on ECG. The PR interval is typically not measured in atrial flutter.

Accelerated Junctional Rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm with a rate between 60-100 bpm and a narrow PR interval (

3rd Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block) is characterized by a regular rhythm, more P waves than QRS complexes, PR interval that varies with no relation to QRS, and is considered a lethal rhythm if not managed promptly.

Wandering Atrial Pacemaker is characterized by a rhythm that can be regular or irregular, with a heart rate typically ranging from 60-100 beats per minute. This condition differs from the incorrect answers provided as they do not accurately reflect the defining features of Wandering Atrial Pacemaker.

Junctional Rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm with a rate of 40-60 bpm and a narrow PR interval of less than 0.12 sec.