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AMCA ETC study materials
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AMCA ETC practice questions

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Question 1EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which action best protects an EKG technician from bloodborne pathogen exposure during electrode placement?

  1. Applying hand lotion before touching the patient
  2. Removing gloves before touching the patient's skin
  3. Wearing gloves and performing hand hygiene before and after contact Correct answer.
  4. Reusing disposable electrodes between patients

Explanation

Standard precautions require gloves for contact with blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin, plus hand hygiene before and after patient contact. These measures reduce transmission risk for both technician and patient.

Question 2EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient reports chest pain and appears pale and diaphoretic while you are preparing to apply electrodes. What is the most appropriate first action?

  1. Document the symptoms and finish the test quietly
  2. Stop the procedure and notify the supervising clinician immediately Correct answer.
  3. Continue placing all electrodes before seeking help
  4. Ask the patient to relax and proceed with the tracing

Explanation

New or worsening chest pain with diaphoresis and pallor suggests a possible acute cardiac event, which takes priority over completing an elective tracing. The technician must escalate to a clinician right away while staying with the patient.

Question 3EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

What is the primary purpose of the right leg (RL) electrode in a standard 12-lead EKG?

  1. To record the lateral wall of the left ventricle
  2. To detect atrial depolarization near the sinoatrial node
  3. To serve as the electrical reference and reduce interference Correct answer.
  4. To measure the amplitude of the T wave

Explanation

The right leg electrode acts as the neutral reference for the amplifier circuit and helps reduce common-mode interference. It is not a recording lead for the cardiac waveform itself.

Question 4EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which practice best minimizes the risk of a musculoskeletal injury when repositioning a patient for an EKG?

  1. Twisting at the waist while pulling the patient
  2. Using proper body mechanics and asking for assistance when needed Correct answer.
  3. Lifting with the back muscles while keeping legs straight
  4. Reaching across the bed to move the patient quickly

Explanation

Safe patient handling emphasizes lifting with the legs, keeping the load close, and using assistive devices or a second person. These practices reduce strain on the spine and shoulders.

Question 5EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Before applying electrodes, which skin preparation step most improves signal quality?

  1. Gently abrading the skin and cleaning with an alcohol wipe Correct answer.
  2. Shaving all body hair on the chest
  3. Wetting the skin with warm water
  4. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly

Explanation

Light abrasion and cleansing remove oils and dead cells, lowering skin impedance so the electrode adheres and conducts better. This reduces artifact and improves tracing quality.

Question 6EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which statement correctly describes the technician's scope of practice regarding EKG interpretation?

  1. The technician records the tracing and reports it for clinician interpretation Correct answer.
  2. The technician may adjust medication based on the tracing
  3. The technician may diagnose arrhythmias from the strip
  4. The technician may sign off on the final clinical report

Explanation

EKG technicians are trained to acquire high-quality tracings and recognize when to escalate, but diagnosis and clinical decisions belong to licensed clinicians. Staying within scope protects patients and the technician.

Question 7EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient's family member asks you to explain the results of the EKG you just completed. What is the best response?

  1. Tell the family the results are normal to reduce anxiety
  2. Show the tracing and point out the abnormal waves
  3. Explain that the clinician will review and discuss the results with the patient Correct answer.
  4. Provide your interpretation of the rhythm to reassure the family

Explanation

Results communication is the responsibility of the treating clinician, and the technician should not interpret or disclose findings. Redirecting the family respects scope of practice and avoids misinformation.

Question 8EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which finding should prompt the technician to verify electrode placement before recording?

  1. Regular rhythm with visible P waves
  2. A flat line in one lead while others show clear waveforms Correct answer.
  3. Consistent R-wave progression across precordial leads
  4. Stable baseline with minimal artifact

Explanation

A flat or absent signal in a single lead usually indicates a disconnected or misplaced electrode rather than true asystole. Verifying placement and connections prevents false interpretation.

Question 9EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which lead placement error would most likely cause a reversed tracing in leads I and aVR?

  1. Placing V1 too high on the chest
  2. Switching the right and left arm electrodes Correct answer.
  3. Using excessive electrode gel on the chest
  4. Placing the right leg electrode on the left leg

Explanation

Reversing the arm electrodes inverts lead I and swaps the polarities of aVR and aVL, producing a characteristic abnormal pattern. Recognizing this helps prevent misinterpretation.

Question 10EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient with a pacemaker is scheduled for an EKG. What is the most appropriate technician action?

  1. Place electrodes directly over the generator
  2. Cancel the test because pacemakers contraindicate EKG
  3. Proceed with standard electrode placement and note the pacemaker on the record Correct answer.
  4. Disable the pacemaker before recording

Explanation

Surface EKG is safe for patients with pacemakers; the technician should document the device so the clinician can interpret paced rhythms correctly. Electrodes are simply kept off the generator site.

Question 11EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

During a tracing, the patient begins to shiver, producing a wandering baseline and muscle artifact. What is the best initial action?

  1. Ask the patient to hold their breath for the entire recording
  2. Increase the paper speed to compensate
  3. Ignore the artifact and proceed with interpretation
  4. Warm the patient and encourage relaxation before re-recording Correct answer.

Explanation

Muscle artifact from shivering is best reduced by addressing the cause, such as warming the patient and promoting relaxation. Re-recording after correction yields a diagnostic tracing.

Question 12EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which action best protects patient privacy during an EKG in a shared room?

  1. Allow visitors to remain without the patient's consent
  2. Leave the tracing visible on the monitor for others to see
  3. Close curtains or use a screen and keep the conversation private Correct answer.
  4. Discuss the patient's history loudly to confirm details

Explanation

Privacy protections require limiting visual and auditory exposure of patient information. Using curtains or screens and speaking discreetly upholds confidentiality.

Question 13EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient becomes unresponsive and is not breathing during an EKG. After calling for help, what should the technician do next?

  1. Continue recording the EKG until the clinician arrives
  2. Place the patient in a seated position
  3. Wait to check for a pulse for several minutes
  4. Begin CPR according to training and current protocols Correct answer.

Explanation

An unresponsive, non-breathing patient requires immediate CPR and activation of the emergency response system. Early compressions improve survival in cardiac arrest.

Question 14EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Why should electrodes not be placed over bony prominences or areas of excess hair?

  1. Hair improves signal conduction
  2. Poor contact increases impedance and artifact Correct answer.
  3. Bone conducts electricity too strongly
  4. These areas cause lead reversal

Explanation

Electrodes need good skin contact over muscle or soft tissue to conduct the cardiac signal. Bony prominences and dense hair reduce adhesion and raise impedance, producing artifact.

Question 15EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which response best reflects appropriate handling of a needlestick injury sustained during a procedure?

  1. Apply a tight tourniquet above the injury
  2. Cover the wound and finish all scheduled patients first
  3. Wait to see if symptoms develop before reporting
  4. Wash the site, report immediately, and follow post-exposure protocol Correct answer.

Explanation

Post-exposure protocols require immediate washing, reporting, and evaluation for prophylaxis, often within hours. Prompt action reduces infection risk and documents the event properly.

Question 16EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient with a known latex allergy needs an EKG. Which preparation is most appropriate?

  1. Apply a barrier cream under standard electrodes
  2. Use standard electrodes since contact is brief
  3. Use latex-free electrodes and gloves and confirm the allergy Correct answer.
  4. Proceed without gloves to avoid latex contact

Explanation

Latex-free supplies must be used for patients with latex allergy to prevent allergic reactions. Confirming the allergy and documenting it supports safe care.

Question 17EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which element is essential when obtaining informed consent before an EKG?

  1. Obtaining a signature only from a family member
  2. Explaining the procedure and confirming the patient agrees to proceed Correct answer.
  3. Explaining risks only after the procedure
  4. Proceeding if the patient does not respond

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the patient understand the procedure and voluntarily agree. The technician should explain in plain language and confirm understanding.

Question 18EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

The tracing shows a regular, sawtooth-like baseline in the limb leads that disappears when the patient relaxes the arm. What is the most likely cause?

  1. Ventricular fibrillation
  2. Somatic tremor artifact from muscle tension Correct answer.
  3. Complete heart block
  4. Atrial flutter waves

Explanation

Artifact that resolves with relaxation and appears as irregular high-frequency noise is characteristic of muscle tremor, not a true rhythm disturbance. Recognizing this prevents misdiagnosis.

Question 19EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which patient instruction best supports a clean, diagnostic EKG tracing?

  1. Hold your breath for the entire tracing
  2. Move periodically to improve circulation
  3. Lie still, breathe normally, and avoid talking during the recording Correct answer.
  4. Talk to stay relaxed during the recording

Explanation

Stillness and normal breathing minimize muscle and movement artifact while maintaining a stable baseline. Talking and breath-holding can introduce noise or alter the tracing.

Question 20EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

An EKG technician notices a coworker consistently skipping hand hygiene between patients. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Ignore the behavior to avoid conflict
  2. Post a public notice naming the coworker
  3. Discuss it with other staff but take no action
  4. Respectfully remind the coworker and report per facility policy if it continues Correct answer.

Explanation

Infection control breaches should be addressed directly and, if unresolved, reported through facility channels to protect patients. Public shaming or silence both fail professional obligations.

Question 21EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient with a left arm amputation needs a 12-lead EKG. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Place the left arm electrode on the nearest available limb site and document the modification Correct answer.
  2. Place the left arm electrode on the right arm
  3. Cancel the EKG because it cannot be performed
  4. Skip the limb leads entirely

Explanation

Limb electrodes can be moved to the nearest available site when anatomy is altered, with the modification documented so the clinician can interpret accordingly. The test can still provide useful information.

Question 22EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A tracing shows an inverted P wave in lead I with a negative aVR and an upright aVR complex. What should the technician suspect?

  1. Normal sinus rhythm
  2. Precordial lead misplacement
  3. Right and left arm electrode reversal Correct answer.
  4. Left ventricular hypertrophy

Explanation

Arm electrode reversal produces an inverted lead I and a positive aVR, which is normally negative. Recognizing this pattern prevents a false report of abnormal axis or rhythm.

Question 23EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Why is it important to record the patient's position and activity level on the EKG documentation?

  1. Position and activity can alter the tracing and must be considered during interpretation Correct answer.
  2. It determines the paper speed used
  3. It is required only for billing purposes
  4. It replaces the need for accurate electrode placement

Explanation

Body position and recent activity can shift the electrical axis and baseline, so documenting them helps clinicians interpret the tracing accurately. This context supports correct diagnosis.

Question 24EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient reports palpitations and lightheadedness during electrode placement and has a history of syncope. What is the most appropriate priority?

  1. Complete the tracing quickly and address symptoms afterward
  2. Tell the patient the symptoms are unrelated to the test
  3. Ask the patient to walk around to improve circulation
  4. Assess the patient's condition and notify the clinician before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

Symptoms suggesting hemodynamic compromise require prompt assessment and escalation before continuing an elective procedure. Patient safety takes precedence over completing the test.

Question 25EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which scenario most clearly requires the technician to stop and seek immediate clinical assistance rather than continue recording?

  1. The patient develops new severe shortness of breath and cyanosis Correct answer.
  2. The baseline shows mild wandering artifact
  3. One precordial lead shows low amplitude
  4. The patient asks a question about the procedure

Explanation

New severe dyspnea with cyanosis indicates a potentially life-threatening condition that supersedes test completion. The technician must escalate immediately.

Question 26EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which action should the EKG technician take first when a patient arrives for an EKG?

  1. Check the patient's blood pressure
  2. Apply the electrodes to the patient's chest
  3. Ask the patient to sign a consent form
  4. Verify the patient's identity using two identifiers Correct answer.

Explanation

Patient identification using two identifiers is the first step before any procedure to ensure the correct test is performed on the correct patient.

Question 27EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

What is the primary purpose of documenting the time and date on an EKG tracing?

  1. To determine the machine's calibration status
  2. To calculate the patient's heart rate
  3. To ensure the tracing is linked to the correct patient and clinical event Correct answer.
  4. To identify the technician who performed the test

Explanation

The time and date on an EKG provide a chronological record that links the tracing to a specific patient and clinical event, which is essential for accurate interpretation and legal documentation.

Question 28EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to prepare a patient's skin before applying EKG electrodes?

  1. Clean the skin with alcohol and allow it to dry completely Correct answer.
  2. Shave all hair from the chest regardless of thickness
  3. Apply a moisturizing lotion to improve adhesion
  4. Rub the skin vigorously with a dry gauze to increase blood flow

Explanation

Cleaning the skin with alcohol removes oils and dirt, and allowing it to dry ensures good electrode adhesion and reduces artifact.

Question 29EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

What is the recommended position for a patient during a routine 12-lead EKG?

  1. Prone with arms extended overhead
  2. Sitting in a chair with legs crossed
  3. Supine with arms resting at the sides Correct answer.
  4. Standing upright

Explanation

The standard position for a routine 12-lead EKG is supine with arms resting at the sides to minimize artifact and ensure consistent lead placement.

Question 30EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

During an EKG, the patient suddenly reports chest pain and appears diaphoretic. What should the technician do first?

  1. Administer the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin
  2. Stop the procedure and notify the supervising nurse or physician immediately Correct answer.
  3. Ask the patient to take deep breaths and relax
  4. Continue the EKG to obtain a complete tracing before seeking help

Explanation

Chest pain with diaphoresis is a potential emergency; the technician must stop and seek immediate clinical assistance rather than continue the test.

Question 31EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which action best prevents the spread of infection when performing an EKG on a patient with a known contagious respiratory illness?

  1. Place the patient in a private room without additional precautions
  2. Wear gloves only and skip hand hygiene if gloves are used
  3. Wear a mask and perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact Correct answer.
  4. Reuse the same electrodes for the next patient to save supplies

Explanation

Standard precautions, including hand hygiene and appropriate personal protective equipment such as a mask, are essential to prevent transmission of respiratory pathogens.

Question 32EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

When placing limb electrodes, which location is correct for the right arm electrode?

  1. On the right forearm, avoiding bony prominences Correct answer.
  2. On the right lower leg
  3. On the right chest
  4. On the right shoulder

Explanation

Limb electrodes should be placed on the fleshy part of the limb, avoiding bony prominences, to ensure good contact and reduce artifact.

Question 33EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient with a below-the-elbow arm amputation needs a 12-lead EKG. Where should the technician place the right arm electrode?

  1. On the right lower leg
  2. On the left arm to compensate
  3. On the right shoulder or upper arm stump Correct answer.
  4. On the right side of the chest

Explanation

When a limb is amputated, the electrode should be placed on the closest available proximal site, such as the shoulder or stump, to maintain the correct electrical axis.

Question 34EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which statement best describes the technician's responsibility regarding patient education before an EKG?

  1. Interpret the EKG results for the patient
  2. Explain the procedure and what the patient will experience Correct answer.
  3. Recommend lifestyle modifications to improve the EKG findings
  4. Advise the patient on medication changes based on the tracing

Explanation

The technician's role includes explaining the procedure to reduce anxiety and ensure cooperation, but not interpreting results or giving medical advice.

Question 35EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

What is the correct action if the EKG machine's paper supply runs out during a tracing?

  1. Use a different machine without checking calibration
  2. Continue the tracing without paper and rely on memory
  3. Replace the paper and restart the tracing after verifying the patient is stable Correct answer.
  4. Stop the test and reschedule for another day

Explanation

Running out of paper requires replacing it and restarting the tracing to ensure a complete, accurate recording is obtained.

Question 36EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to handle a patient who is anxious and tense during electrode placement?

  1. Proceed quickly without explanation to finish sooner
  2. Tell the patient to relax and stop moving
  3. Administer a sedative if available
  4. Speak calmly, explain each step, and allow the patient to ask questions Correct answer.

Explanation

Calm communication and explanation help reduce anxiety and muscle tension, improving the quality of the tracing.

Question 37EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

What is the primary reason for using a standard calibration mark (10 mm = 1 mV) on an EKG?

  1. To mark the beginning of the tracing
  2. To ensure the amplitude of the tracing is standardized for accurate interpretation Correct answer.
  3. To show the machine's battery level
  4. To indicate the patient's heart rate

Explanation

The calibration mark verifies that the EKG machine is set to the standard voltage so that waveforms can be accurately measured and compared.

Question 38EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

A patient's EKG shows a wandering baseline that persists despite skin preparation and electrode replacement. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. Document the artifact and proceed without further action
  2. Check for loose electrodes or cables and ensure the patient is comfortable and still Correct answer.
  3. Increase the paper speed to 50 mm/s
  4. Ask the patient to hold their breath for the duration of the tracing

Explanation

Persistent wandering baseline often results from loose connections, patient movement, or poor electrode contact; checking these factors is the appropriate next step.

Question 39EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

Which of the following best describes the technician's role in ensuring patient safety during an EKG for a patient with a pacemaker?

  1. Avoid placing electrodes on the chest to prevent interference
  2. Verify that the pacemaker is functioning and note its settings before the procedure Correct answer.
  3. Use a different type of EKG machine that is pacemaker-compatible
  4. Disconnect the pacemaker temporarily during the tracing

Explanation

Knowing the pacemaker settings helps in recognizing paced rhythms and ensuring the EKG is performed safely without interference.

Question 40EKG Technician Role, Safety, and Patient Care

During a 12-lead EKG, the technician notices that the patient's right leg electrode is placed on the left leg by mistake. What is the most likely effect on the tracing?

  1. The heart rate will be miscalculated by the machine
  2. The limb leads will appear reversed, potentially mimicking pathology Correct answer.
  3. The precordial leads will be unaffected, but the limb leads will show a flat line
  4. The tracing will be completely unreadable

Explanation

Reversing the leg electrodes can cause incorrect lead configurations, leading to reversed or altered limb leads that may mimic certain cardiac conditions.

Question 41Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

Which formed element of blood is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues?

  1. Thrombocyte
  2. Erythrocyte Correct answer.
  3. Platelet
  4. Leukocyte

Explanation

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen in the pulmonary capillaries and releases it in systemic tissues. Leukocytes are immune cells and do not carry oxygen, and thrombocytes/platelets function in hemostasis.

Question 42Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

The chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood into the systemic circulation is the:

  1. Right ventricle
  2. Right atrium
  3. Left atrium
  4. Left ventricle Correct answer.

Explanation

The left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and ejects it into the aorta for systemic distribution. Its thick wall reflects the high pressure needed for the systemic circuit.

Question 43Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

The valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle is the:

  1. Pulmonary valve
  2. Mitral valve Correct answer.
  3. Aortic valve
  4. Tricuspid valve

Explanation

The mitral (bicuspid) valve guards the left atrioventricular opening. The tricuspid valve is on the right side, while the pulmonary and aortic valves are semilunar outflow valves.

Question 44Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

The term 'bradycardia' refers to a heart rate that is:

  1. Faster than normal
  2. Absent entirely
  3. Irregular in rhythm
  4. Slower than normal Correct answer.

Explanation

The prefix brady- means slow, so bradycardia denotes a heart rate below the normal range. Tachycardia, by contrast, means an abnormally fast rate.

Question 45Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

Which blood vessel type carries blood away from the heart?

  1. Venule
  2. Artery Correct answer.
  3. Capillary
  4. Vein

Explanation

Arteries are defined by direction of flow: they carry blood away from the heart regardless of oxygenation. Veins return blood toward the heart, and capillaries are exchange vessels.

Question 46Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

The medical term 'phlebitis' means inflammation of a:

  1. Heart valve
  2. Lymph node
  3. Artery
  4. Vein Correct answer.

Explanation

The combining form phleb/o refers to veins, and -itis means inflammation. Phlebitis therefore denotes inflammation of a vein.

Question 47Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

Blood returning from the systemic circulation enters the heart first at the:

  1. Right atrium Correct answer.
  2. Right ventricle
  3. Left ventricle
  4. Left atrium

Explanation

Systemic venous blood drains via the superior and inferior venae cavae into the right atrium. From there it moves to the right ventricle and then to the lungs.

Question 48Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

The combining form 'cardi/o' refers to the:

  1. Heart Correct answer.
  2. Vessel
  3. Lung
  4. Kidney

Explanation

Cardi/o is the combining form for heart, as seen in terms such as cardiology and myocardial. Vessel is represented by angi/o or vas/o.

Question 49Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

Which structure is the pacemaker of the heart that initiates the normal cardiac impulse?

  1. Atrioventricular node
  2. Purkinje fibers
  3. Bundle of His
  4. Sinoatrial node Correct answer.

Explanation

The sinoatrial node in the right atrial wall spontaneously depolarizes fastest and sets the normal sinus rhythm. The AV node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers are downstream conduction elements.

Question 50Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Cardiovascular System

During the cardiac cycle, the semilunar valves open when:

  1. The AV valves are fully open
  2. The atria are contracting
  3. Ventricular pressure exceeds arterial pressure Correct answer.
  4. Atrial pressure exceeds ventricular pressure

Explanation

Semilunar valves open during ventricular ejection, when ventricular pressure rises above the pressure in the aorta or pulmonary trunk. When ventricular pressure falls below arterial pressure, they close.