NHA Certified EKG Technician (CET) Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11Determine the cardiac rhythm shown in the following EKG excerpt. Segment Description P wave Absent QRS complex Normal Rhythm Irregularly Irregular Additional Notes No distinct P waves or flutter waves
✓ Correct answer: D. Atrial fibrillation
Answer: Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregularly irregular rhythm and the absence of distinct P waves. The QRS complexes are usually normal. Ventricular tachycardia typically shows wide QRS complexes and a regular rhythm. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome usually presents with a short PR interval and a Delta wave. Type 1 AV block displays a prolonged PR interval with regular atrial and ventricular rhythms.
Q12Which type of cardiac arrhythmia is characterized by an electrical impulse originating from a location outside the atrioventricular (AV) node?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ectopic rhythm
Answer: Ectopic rhythm An ectopic rhythm occurs when the electrical impulse originates from a location other than the atrioventricular (AV) node, leading to irregular heartbeats. Junctional rhythms originate from the AV node area and are not considered ectopic. Sinus bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate originating from the sinus node. Atrio-ventricular block is characterized by delayed or blocked electrical signals between the atria and ventricles.
Q13What is the defining characteristic of atrial fibrillation?
✓ Correct answer: B. Irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves
Answer: Irregularly irregular rhythm without distinct P waves In atrial fibrillation, the hallmarks are an irregularly irregular rhythm and the absence of distinct P waves on the EKG. The atria do not contract properly, leading to disorganized electrical activity. Distinct P waves are seen in normal sinus rhythm and other types of atrial rhythms. A regular rhythm with a very high rate is more indicative of atrial flutter or supraventricular tachycardia. Wide QRS complexes without P waves could indicate ventricular tachycardia.
Q14How do changes in the QRS complex during a ventricular fibrillation episode reflect the underlying cardiac condition?
✓ Correct answer: D. Disorganized electrical activity
Answer: Disorganized electrical activity Ventricular fibrillation is characterized by rapid and erratic electrical impulses. This makes the QRS complexes appear irregular and uncoordinated on the ECG, reflecting a lack of effective heart contraction. Myocardial infarction, on the other hand, usually shows more consistent and distinct abnormalities like ST-segment elevation. Myocardial ischemia may present with abnormalities in the T wave rather than the QRS complex. Atrial fibrillation primarily affects the P wave and does not have the chaotic QRS complex seen in ventricular fibrillation.
Q15During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles?
✓ Correct answer: C. Atrial systole
Answer: Atrial systole Atrial systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles. This precedes ventricular systole, where the ventricles contract to expel blood.
Q16Which of the following indicates a proper EKG lead placement for accurate cardiac monitoring?
✓ Correct answer: B. Placing the chest leads at the correct anatomical landmarks
Answer: Placing the chest leads at the correct anatomical landmarks Accurate EKG lead placement is crucial for obtaining a reliable reading. Chest leads should be placed correctly at specific anatomical landmarks (e.g., V1 at the 4th intercostal space to the right of the sternum). Incorrect placement can lead to misinterpretation of the cardiac rhythms.
Q17Which of the following leads is most commonly used to monitor the ST segment?
✓ Correct answer: A. Lead V5
Answer: Lead V5 Lead V5 is most commonly utilized to monitor the ST segment due to its position over the left ventricle, where ischemic changes are often most apparent.
Q18In an EKG reading, if the atrial rate is measured at 75 bpm and the ventricular rate is recorded at 45 bpm, what condition is likely present?
✓ Correct answer: C. AV block
Answer: AV block An AV block occurs when there is a delay or complete block in the conduction between the atria and ventricles. This results in the atria and ventricles beating independently, with the ventricular rate usually being slower than the atrial rate.
Q19What does the ST segment represent on an EKG?
✓ Correct answer: C. The time from the end of ventricular depolarization to the start of ventricular repolarization
Answer: The time from the end of ventricular depolarization to the start of ventricular repolarization The ST segment is the time from the end of ventricular depolarization to the start of ventricular repolarization. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, and the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization. The PR segment spans the end of atrial depolarization to the start of ventricular depolarization.
Q20Which of the following is not part of the standard precautions to prevent infection during an EKG procedure?
✓ Correct answer: A. Administering antibiotics
Answer: Administering antibiotics Administering antibiotics is not part of the standard precautions. Standard precautions include measures like wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer, and disinfecting equipment to prevent infection.
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