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.
Q21What is the term for the measurement of the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin in the blood?
✓ Correct answer: B. Oxygen saturation
Answer: Oxygen saturation Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin that is bound with oxygen in the blood. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. Cardiac output is the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, and heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute.
Q22Which of the following is not required to comply with OSHA standards in a healthcare setting?
✓ Correct answer: A. A patient visiting for a routine check-up
Answer: A patient visiting for a routine check-up OSHA standards apply to employees and employers in healthcare settings focused on ensuring workplace safety and health. These include medical staff, maintenance personnel, and administrative workers. Patients, however, are not subject to OSHA regulations as they are not employees.
Q23Which of the following is not one of the three common complications that can occur with improper lead placement during an EKG?
✓ Correct answer: D. Accurate wave measurements
Answer: Accurate wave measurements. Accurate wave measurements are not a complication of improper lead placement. Common complications of improper lead placement during an EKG include the following: Misdiagnosis of cardiac conditions Incorrect heart rate calculation Artifacts on the EKG
Q24Where is the lead V1 electrode placed?
✓ Correct answer: B. Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
Answer: Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border The V1 lead is placed in the fourth intercostal space to the right of the sternum. This placement provides critical views of the electrical activity of the right ventricle and septal wall of the heart.
Q25What is an essential first step before administering a Holter monitor to a patient?
✓ Correct answer: D. Provide a detailed explanation of how the Holter monitor works and what to expect during the monitoring period.
Answer: Provide a detailed explanation of how the Holter monitor works and what to expect during the monitoring period. Before any procedure, it is crucial to educate the patient to reduce anxiety and ensure they understand the process. This explanation helps to alleviate any concerns they may have.
Q26In an EKG, which leads are defined as the chest leads?
✓ Correct answer: D. Precordial leads
Answer: Precordial leads The precordial leads, which include V1 to V6, are placed on the chest and provide a view of the heart's electrical activity from the transverse plane. Limb leads include RA, LA, RL, and LL, while augmented leads include aVR, aVL, and aVF. There is no such thing as terminal leads.
Q27As you prepare to attach electrodes to a 40-year-old male for a stress test, he inquires about the potential risks associated with the procedure. What would be your appropriate response?
✓ Correct answer: B. Possible skin irritation from the adhesive
Answer: Possible skin irritation from the adhesive A stress test is generally safe and only involves a minor risk of skin irritation due to the adhesive on the electrodes. The electrodes themselves do not cause burns, and there is no significant risk of a heart attack during the test.
Q28In the process of obtaining an EKG, understanding the various configurations and criteria for diagnosing heart conditions is crucial. Which of the following is not a typical finding associated with left bundle branch block (LBBB)?
✓ Correct answer: D. RSR' pattern in V1 with ST-segment depression
Answer: RSR' pattern in V1 with ST-segment depression The criteria for an LBBB include: - QRS complex widened to greater than 0.12 seconds - Dominant S wave in V1 and V2 with broad, deep S waves - Absence of initial Q wave in leads I, V5, and V6
Q29Which of the following actions can cause an AC interference artifact on an EKG tracing?
✓ Correct answer: C. Using an electric blanket
Answer: Using an electric blanket AC interference is caused by electrical devices that are in close proximity to the EKG machine. A loose electrode can cause a wandering baseline artifact, not AC interference. Patient coughing can result in muscle artifacts, while deep breathing affects baseline sway.
Q30Which of the following factors can cause a wandering baseline artifact on an EKG?
✓ Correct answer: A. Patient's breathing pattern
Answer: Patient's breathing pattern A wandering baseline artifact is often caused by movements related to a patient's breathing pattern. Somatic tremors are caused by patient tremors or shaking of the electric wires. Electrical interference causes a 60-cycle interference. A broken recording is due to a frayed or broken wire.
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