electrocardiographic technician Interview Questions and Answers
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What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)?
- Answer: An electrocardiogram is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes placed on the skin. It records the heart's rhythm and identifies abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system.
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Explain the different ECG leads and their placement.
- Answer: A standard 12-lead ECG uses 10 electrodes placed on the patient's limbs and chest. The limb leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) provide a frontal plane view, while the chest leads (V1-V6) provide a horizontal plane view. Specific electrode placement is crucial for accurate interpretation. Limb leads are placed on the wrists and ankles, while chest leads are placed in specific intercostal spaces.
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Describe the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave in an ECG.
- Answer: The P wave represents atrial depolarization (contraction). The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization (contraction). The T wave represents ventricular repolarization (relaxation).
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What is the significance of the PR interval?
- Answer: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the sinoatrial (SA) node to the ventricles. A prolonged PR interval suggests a conduction delay, while a shortened PR interval might indicate a pre-excitation syndrome.
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What is the significance of the QT interval?
- Answer: The QT interval represents the total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Prolongation of the QT interval can increase the risk of torsades de pointes, a life-threatening arrhythmia.
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Explain the difference between sinus rhythm and arrhythmia.
- Answer: Sinus rhythm is a normal heart rhythm originating from the SA node with a regular rate and rhythm. Arrhythmia is any deviation from a normal heart rhythm, including irregularities in rate, rhythm, or origin of the impulse.
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Describe some common arrhythmias you might see on an ECG.
- Answer: Common arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and heart blocks (various types).
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What are the artifacts that can interfere with an ECG tracing?
- Answer: Artifacts include muscle tremor, patient movement, wandering baseline, 60-cycle interference (electrical interference), and electrode displacement.
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How do you troubleshoot a poor ECG tracing?
- Answer: Troubleshooting involves checking electrode placement, ensuring proper skin preparation (clean, dry skin with good contact), identifying and eliminating sources of interference, and potentially replacing electrodes.
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What are the safety precautions to take when performing an ECG?
- Answer: Safety precautions include proper hand hygiene, using appropriate infection control measures, avoiding contact with broken skin, and being aware of potential electrical hazards.
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How do you prepare a patient for an ECG?
- Answer: Patient preparation involves explaining the procedure, ensuring patient comfort, cleaning the skin where electrodes will be placed, and ensuring the patient is lying still during the recording.
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What is the difference between a resting ECG and a stress test ECG?
- Answer: A resting ECG is performed while the patient is at rest. A stress test ECG is performed while the patient is exercising (or receiving medication to simulate exercise) to assess the heart's response to increased workload.
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What are some common causes of ST segment elevation?
- Answer: ST segment elevation is often associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack), but other causes include pericarditis and Prinzmetal's angina.
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What is the role of an ECG technician in a healthcare setting?
- Answer: ECG technicians perform ECGs, interpret basic ECG rhythms, identify artifacts, prepare reports, and assist physicians in diagnosing cardiac conditions.
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How do you maintain ECG equipment?
- Answer: Maintenance includes regular cleaning, checking lead wires for damage, ensuring proper calibration, and following manufacturer's instructions for troubleshooting and repairs.
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What is the importance of accurate documentation in ECG procedures?
- Answer: Accurate documentation is crucial for legal and medical reasons, ensuring clear communication between healthcare providers and providing a complete record of the patient's cardiac activity.
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Describe your experience with different types of ECG machines.
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on the candidate's experience. They should mention specific brands or models and highlight their proficiency with different functionalities.]
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How do you handle a situation where a patient is experiencing discomfort during an ECG?
- Answer: Immediately stop the procedure, assess the patient's condition, provide reassurance, and notify the appropriate healthcare professional (nurse or physician).
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How do you maintain patient confidentiality?
- Answer: Adhering to HIPAA regulations, protecting patient data, and ensuring that patient information is only accessed by authorized personnel.
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What are your strengths as an ECG technician?
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer highlighting relevant skills like attention to detail, technical proficiency, communication skills, and teamwork.]
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What are your weaknesses as an ECG technician?
- Answer: [This requires a thoughtful answer that focuses on areas for improvement and demonstrates self-awareness. Avoid mentioning critical weaknesses; focus on areas where you're actively working to improve.]
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Why are you interested in this position?
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer reflecting genuine interest in the role and the organization.]
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Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Answer: [This requires a personalized answer demonstrating career aspirations and professional growth.]
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What is your salary expectation?
- Answer: [This requires research into typical salaries for the position and location. Provide a range rather than a fixed number.]
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