Certified EKG Technician (CET) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What features identify atrial flutter on an EKG?

A flat line in the rhythm strip

A "sawtooth" appearance of P waves

Atrial flutter is characterized by a distinct "sawtooth" appearance of P waves, which is often referred to as "F-waves" or "flutter waves." This pattern occurs because the atria contract rapidly and in a reentrant manner, leading to a regular, rapid atrial rate that produces a visual effect on the EKG resembling a serrated edge or sawtooth pattern, particularly visible in the inferior leads (II, III, and aVF).

The use of the term "sawtooth" is significant because it allows healthcare providers to readily identify this arrhythmia during EKG interpretation. The shape and consistency of these waves help to differentiate atrial flutter from other types of arrhythmias and provide important information about the atrial activity. Understanding the visual characteristics of atrial flutter is crucial for diagnosis and subsequent management of the patient.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Irregularly spaced QRS complexes

Shortened PR intervals

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy