High Yield EKGs

Question 1

What EKG shows a saw-tooth pattern in every lead with irregular QRS complexes

Answer 1

Atrial flutter

Question 2

Mention some antibiotics that could cause Torsades de pointes

Answer 2

Erythromycin and quinolones

Question 3

What are the steps in reading an EKG

Answer 3

Find the p waves
Are the QRS complexes regular or irregular (check using the R-R intervals)
Are the QRS complexes wide or narrow
Check the intervals (PR and Qt)
Check the ST segments

Question 4

Sinus p waves are upright in which leads

Answer 4

Leads II, III and F

Question 5

A p wave with a regular rhythm suggests what type of EKG

Answer 5

Sinus rhythm

Question 6

Rarely, a p wave with a regular rhythm could suggest what type of EKG

Answer 6

Atrial tachycardia
Atrial rhythm

Question 7

Absence of p waves with an irregular rhythm could be characteristic of

Answer 7

Atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter with variable block

Question 8

Presence of p waves with irregular rhythms is characteristic of

Answer 8

Sinus rhythm with PACs
Multifocal atrial tachycardia
Sinus with AV block

Question 9

No p waves (hidden p waves: retrograde) with regular rhythm is characteristic of

Answer 9

Supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs)
Ventricular tachycardia

Question 10

A wide QRS complex is characteristic of

Answer 10

Bundle branch block
Ventricular rhythm (ie. tachycardia)

Question 11

Which tone lengthens a PR interval

Answer 11

Vagal tone

Question 12

Which tone shortens a PR interval

Answer 12

Sympathetic tone

Question 13

People with hypercalcemia might present with

Answer 13

Confusion
Constipation

Question 14

People with hypocalcemia might present with

Answer 14

Tetany
Numbness
Spasms

Question 15

A flat U wave is commonly characteristic of

Answer 15

Hypokalemia

Question 16

ST depression is commonly characteristic of

Answer 16

Subendocardial ischemia

Question 17

ST elevation is commonly characteristic of

Answer 17

Transmural ischemia