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TL;DR

Master the interpretation of electrocardiogram tracings including rhythm identification and 12-lead analysis. ECG interpretation is a critical diagnostic skill and a major exam topic.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-03

Free EKG & Cardiac Testing Practice Questions

Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) · Clinical Procedures

This module covers EKG & Cardiac Testing as part of the Clinical Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.

ExamMedical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA)
Pass Rate72%
Duration160 minutes
ModuleEKG & Cardiac Testing

Why EKG & Cardiac Testing matters

EKG & Cardiac Testing is a high-weight exam domain because cardiovascular emergencies are time-critical and require immediate recognition.

Sample Practice Questions (5)

1. When providing instructions to a patient receiving a Holter monitor, the medical assistant should tell the patient to:

  • Keep a diary of all activities and symptoms, avoid showering or bathing, and do not remove the electrodes during the monitoring period
  • Remove the electrodes at night before sleeping and reapply them in the morning
  • Avoid all physical activity and remain in bed for the entire 24-hour period
  • Shower normally but pat the electrodes dry afterward

2. A wandering baseline artifact on an EKG tracing is MOST commonly caused by:

  • Loose or poorly applied electrodes or patient movement/breathing
  • Electrical interference from nearby equipment
  • Patient muscle tremors or shivering
  • An improperly calibrated EKG machine

3. A 12-lead EKG shows ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. The patient reports crushing substernal chest pain radiating to the jaw. What should the MA do FIRST?

  • Immediately notify the provider and keep the patient calm and still
  • Repeat the EKG to confirm the ST elevation before notifying anyone
  • Administer sublingual nitroglycerin from the emergency kit
  • Remove the EKG leads and prepare the patient for transport

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4. Somatic tremor artifact on an EKG is caused by:

  • Involuntary muscle movement such as shivering, anxiety, or Parkinson's disease
  • Loose electrode contact with the skin
  • Electrical interference from a cell phone
  • Incorrect lead placement

5. A standard 12-lead EKG uses how many electrodes placed on the patient?

  • 10
  • 12
  • 6
  • 8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many EKG & Cardiac Testing questions are on the Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA)?▼
The Clinical Procedures section, which includes EKG & Cardiac Testing, typically represents a significant portion of the exam. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing exact question counts, as the exam uses adaptive testing.
What is the best way to study EKG & Cardiac Testing?▼
Use active recall and spaced repetition rather than passive reading. Practice with realistic exam questions, review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, and focus on understanding the reasoning behind each concept.
Is EKG & Cardiac Testing one of the harder sections on the exam?▼
Yes, EKG & Cardiac Testing is considered one of the more challenging areas because it requires both knowledge recall and clinical reasoning. Many questions present scenarios where you must prioritize interventions, not just identify the correct treatment.