ECG rhythm strip interpretation worksheet with answers

Free printable ECG rhythm strip interpretation worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mV

This 6-second lead II strip is irregular, so the 300 and 1500 methods do not work. Use the 6-second method to estimate the ventricular heart rate in beats per minute.

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mVstrip length 6 s (marks at 0, 3 and 6 s)
heart rate = bpm
2.Easy
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mV

This lead II rhythm is regular. Count the small boxes between two consecutive R waves and use the 1500 method to find the heart rate in beats per minute, rounded to a whole number.

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV1 small box = 0.04 s, 1 large box = 0.20 sstrip length 6 s
heart rate = bpm
3.Medium
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mV

Measure the QT interval and the R–R interval on this regular lead II strip, then calculate the rate-corrected QTc with Bazett’s formula QTc = QT/√RR (both in seconds). Give the answer in seconds to three decimals.

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV1 small box = 0.04 s, 1 large box = 0.20 sstrip length 6 s
QTc = s
4.Medium
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mV

This lead II strip shows sinus rhythm with one pause. Measure the pause, the R–R interval across it, in seconds.

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV1 small box = 0.04 s, 1 large box = 0.20 sstrip length 6 s
pause = s
5.Hard
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mVsynchronised cardioversionimmediate defibrillationtranscutaneous pacingCPR (non-shockable rhythm)

A patient without a palpable pulse has this organised rhythm on the monitor (pulseless electrical activity). Which treatment do adult resuscitation guidelines name for it? Click your answer.

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV1 small box = 0.04 s, 1 large box = 0.20 sstrip length 6 s
  1. 1synchronised cardioversion
  2. 2immediate defibrillation
  3. 3transcutaneous pacing
  4. 4CPR (non-shockable rhythm)
6.Hard
II25 mm/s · 10 mm/mV

This lead II strip shows an AV block, so the atria and the ventricles beat at different rates. The QRS complexes are regular: find the ventricular rate in beats per minute (1500 method, whole number).

lead II, 25 mm/s, 10 mm/mV1 small box = 0.04 s, 1 large box = 0.20 sstrip length 6 s
ventricular rate = bpm

Answer key

  1. 1. heart rate = 100 bpm
  2. 2. heart rate = 43 bpm
  3. 3. QTc = 0.377 s
  4. 4. pause = 1.76 s
  5. 5. CPR (non-shockable rhythm)
  6. 6. ventricular rate = 38 bpm

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.