Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What speeds are typically used for patients with slow heart rates?

1. 20 mm/second and 10 mm/second

2. 10 mm/second and 5 mm/second

3. 25 mm/second and 50 mm/second

4. 5 mm/second and 15 mm/second

The correct answer is: 10 mm/second and 5 mm/second

When monitoring patients with slow heart rates, it's essential to use slower paper speeds on the electrocardiogram (ECG). This allows for a more detailed visualization of the heart's electrical activity, making it easier to identify and diagnose potential issues. A speed of 10 mm/second is standard and frequently used in these scenarios, as it provides a balanced view without causing excessive compression of the waveform. Additionally, a speed of 5 mm/second further stretches the tracing, allowing for more clarity in examining slower rhythms. Using slower speeds can help technicians capture the nuances of a bradycardic rhythm, which is crucial for accurate interpretation. The other options involve higher speeds that may condense the data too much, potentially obscuring important information relating to the heart's function and rhythm in patients with slow heart rates.