Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What type of heart rhythm is characterized by multiple PVCs in succession?

1. Normal sinus rhythm

2. Ventricular tachycardia

3. Atrial fibrillation

4. Sinus bradycardia

The correct answer is: Ventricular tachycardia

The correct answer is associated with ventricular tachycardia, a condition characterized by a rapid heart rhythm originating from the ventricles. In this scenario, multiple premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) occurring in succession can lead to a sustained fast heart rate. It generally presents as three or more consecutive PVCs at a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. Ventricular tachycardia is significant because it can impair the heart's ability to pump effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output and possibly resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or loss of consciousness. In contrast, normal sinus rhythm represents a healthy heart rhythm initiated by the sinus node, where each impulse generates a stable heart rate; it would not show multiple PVCs in succession. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate due to chaotic electrical signals in the atria, rather than a series of PVCs. Sinus bradycardia indicates a slower heart rate with normal sinus node function, also not involving the presence of multiple consecutive PVCs.