Certified EKG Technician (CET) Practice Exam 2025 - Free EKG Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

Atrial flutter is characterized by a regular rhythm that can sometimes be misinterpreted as atrial fibrillation due to the rapid atrial rates. In atrial flutter, the atria contract in a rapid, organized manner, often presenting a "sawtooth" pattern on an ECG, commonly referred to as "F-waves." While atrial fibrillation features an irregularly irregular rhythm and chaotic atrial activity, the clear and consistent rhythm of atrial flutter can be deceptively similar if not carefully assessed. This distinction is important for accurate diagnosis and management, as it influences treatment options.

The other arrhythmias listed have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from atrial flutter. Ventricular tachycardia, for example, typically involves a rapid heart rate emerging from the ventricles and often presents with a broader QRS complex, which is not the same as the organized but rapid atrial contraction seen in atrial flutter. Premature ventricular contractions are single ectopic heartbeats that can occur within a normal rhythm, but they do not create the sustained pattern needed to be confused with atrial flutter. Sinus bradycardia, characterized by a slower than normal heart rate originating from the sinus node, is clearly distinguished by its