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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Telemetry Test for Nurses: Check Your Cardiac Monitoring Skills

Quick, free telemetry quiz to check your skills. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Saurabh KumarUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a quiz on Telemetry Nursing Knowledge Test.

This telemetry test helps you practice cardiac monitoring, rhythm strips, lead placement, and patient safety. Work through 15 quick multiple-choice questions, get instant feedback, and spot topics to review before a shift or exam. When you're done, try our telemetry practice test, explore an ecg practice test, or check your broader skills with a critical care nursing quiz.

Which precordial lead is placed at the 4th intercostal space at the right sternal border?
V1 (correct: V1 is at the 4th ICS, right sternal border)
V6
V2
V4
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The normal adult PR interval on an ECG should be within which range?
0.12 to 0.20 seconds (correct: normal PR range)
0.20 to 0.28 seconds
0.28 to 0.36 seconds
0.08 to 0.12 seconds
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On telemetry, atrial fibrillation is best characterized by which finding?
Regular rhythm with sawtooth flutter waves
Grouped beating with progressively lengthening PR intervals
Irregularly irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves (correct: hallmark of AF)
Regular rhythm with absent P waves and wide QRS
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Which intervention is most appropriate for a pulseless patient in ventricular fibrillation on the monitor?
Immediate defibrillation and high-quality CPR (correct: first-line ACLS action)
Adenosine rapid IV push
Synchronized cardioversion at 50 J
Transcutaneous pacing
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Which step reduces motion artifact when applying telemetry electrodes?
Place electrodes over bony prominences
Shave hair, cleanse with alcohol, and firmly secure leads (correct: improves conduction and adhesion)
Apply gel excessively to increase conductivity
Rub skin vigorously to the point of erythema
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Which action is most appropriate for new-onset chest pain with suspected ACS on telemetry?
Deactivate ST alarms to reduce anxiety
Give adenosine to slow the heart rate
Apply oxygen to all patients regardless of saturation
Obtain a 12-lead ECG within 10 minutes and notify the provider (correct: time-sensitive diagnostic step)
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Which rhythm requires immediate CPR and epinephrine rather than defibrillation?
Asystole (correct: nonshockable; treat with CPR and epinephrine)
Ventricular fibrillation
Pulseless monomorphic VT
Torsades de pointes
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A narrow complex tachycardia at 190 bpm with absent visible P waves most likely represents which rhythm?
Ventricular tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (correct: typical presentation)
Sinus tachycardia
Atrial flutter with 2:1 conduction
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What is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes on telemetry?
Atropine
IV magnesium sulfate (correct: stabilizes repolarization in torsades)
Synchronized cardioversion only
Adenosine
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Which ECG change is most classically associated with hyperkalemia?
Shortened QT interval
U waves and prolonged QT
ST-segment elevation in contiguous leads
Tall peaked T waves with widened QRS if severe (correct: hallmark features)
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A patient in unstable monomorphic VT with a pulse should receive which immediate therapy?
Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push
Carotid sinus massage
Synchronized cardioversion (correct: indicated for unstable tachycardia with a pulse)
Unsynchronized defibrillation
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Bundle branch block on ECG is defined by which QRS duration?
QRS duration 80 to 100 ms
QRS duration less than 80 ms
QRS duration 100 to 110 ms
QRS duration 120 ms or greater (correct: meets BBB criteria)
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What is the correct placement for lead V4 in a 12-lead ECG?
4th intercostal space, left sternal border
Midaxillary line, 5th intercostal space
5th intercostal space, midclavicular line (correct: V4 position)
Anterior axillary line, 5th intercostal space
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Which description best defines second-degree AV block Mobitz I (Wenckebach)?
Wide QRS tachycardia with AV dissociation
Complete AV dissociation with independent atrial and ventricular rates
Constant PR intervals with intermittent dropped QRS
Progressive PR lengthening followed by a dropped QRS (correct: typical Wenckebach pattern)
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In a three-lead telemetry setup, which leads form Lead II?
Right arm negative to right leg positive
Right arm negative to left leg positive (correct: Lead II vector)
Left arm negative to left leg positive
Left arm negative to right arm positive
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What is the safest first step when encountering a wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin in a stable patient?
Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion
Ignore if blood pressure is normal
Treat as ventricular tachycardia until proven otherwise (correct: safest assumption)
Administer adenosine without further assessment
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For biphasic defibrillators, what is an appropriate initial energy for defibrillating VF?
120 to 200 J depending on device (correct: guideline-supported range)
360 J only
50 J
10 J test shock followed by 50 J
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Which nursing action is most appropriate for transcutaneous pacing for symptomatic bradycardia?
Place pads directly over implanted pacemaker
Use asynchronous defibrillation mode
Avoid reassessing for mechanical capture
Provide analgesia and sedation as needed while ensuring capture (correct: improves tolerance and efficacy)
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What is the recommended action for a stable patient with new ST-segment elevation on telemetry and ischemic symptoms?
Activate the STEMI protocol per facility policy and obtain a 12-lead (correct: time-sensitive reperfusion)
Remove telemetry to reduce artifact
Give adenosine and reassess
Increase alarm limits and continue to observe
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Which electrolyte abnormality is most associated with a shortened QT interval?
Hypomagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hyponatremia
Hypercalcemia (correct: shortens ventricular repolarization)
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse EKG waveforms to identify arrhythmias
  2. Interpret telemetry data trends with accuracy
  3. Demonstrate proper electrode placement techniques
  4. Apply safety protocols in cardiac monitoring scenarios
  5. Evaluate patient vital signs for critical alerts

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Basics of EKG Waveforms - Think of the EKG like a rollercoaster: the P wave is the gentle climb, the QRS complex is the thrilling peak, and the T wave is the relaxing descent. Grasping these components helps you spot when the ride is going off track. Soon you'll be interpreting rhythms like a pro!
  2. Recognize Common Arrhythmias - Ever heard of atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia? These are the plot twists in your cardiac story! By studying their signature patterns, you'll swiftly call out the unexpected guests in the heart's rhythm.
  3. Ensure Proper Electrode Placement - "White on Right, Smoke over Fire" is your catchy mnemonic to nail limb lead positioning. Accurate electrode spots mean crystal-clear signals and fewer "mystery" readings to decode. Practice on a mannequin or a friend for extra confidence!
  4. Interpret Telemetry Data Trends - Telemetry isn't just one snapshot - it's a movie of your patient's heart over time. Spotting subtle shifts in patterns can reveal if things are trending toward improvement or if you need to sound the alarm. Become a pattern-spotting detective!
  5. Apply Safety Protocols in Cardiac Monitoring - Safety first! Double-check alarm limits, confirm leads are secure, and never ignore a beeping monitor. Quick responses to alerts can make all the difference between a small hiccup and a major event.
  6. Evaluate Patient Vital Signs for Critical Alerts - Heart rate and blood pressure are your frontline defenders in spotting trouble. A sudden jump or drop could be your cue to take action - and maybe a deep breath before calling for backup. Stay alert and stay awesome!
  7. Understand the Significance of the QT Interval - A prolonged QT interval is like a red flag in a parade - it demands attention. Monitoring it helps you catch dangerous rhythms like torsades de pointes before they crash the party. Keep your eyes peeled!
  8. Maintain Equipment and Electrode Integrity - Worn-out electrodes are like old batteries - they just can't keep up. Swap them regularly, clean the skin spots, and check cables for wear so your telemetry setup stays in top form. Your future self will thank you!
  9. Stay Updated on Best Practices - Medicine evolves faster than your favorite playlist. Subscribe to practice alerts, attend webinars, and review the latest guidelines to keep your monitoring skills on the cutting edge. Learning never stops!
  10. Develop Critical Thinking Skills - Telemetry data can be complex, but with practice, you'll connect the dots like a seasoned detective. Challenge yourself with case studies and scenario drills to sharpen your instincts under pressure. You've got this!
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