Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

A QRS measurement of less than how many seconds indicates a supraventricular issue?

1. 0.08 seconds

2. 0.10 seconds

3. 0.12 seconds

4. 0.15 seconds

The correct answer is: 0.12 seconds

A QRS measurement of less than 0.12 seconds indicates a supraventricular issue. The QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles, and in a normal sinus rhythm, it typically measures between 0.06 to 0.10 seconds. When the QRS duration is more than 0.12 seconds, it usually suggests a ventricular conduction problem, such as a bundle branch block or other types of intraventricular conduction delays. Supraventricular issues are characterized by normal or narrow QRS complexes, which is why a QRS duration under 0.12 seconds is the key indicator suggesting that the problem resides in the structures above the ventricles, such as the atria or the junctional area. Therefore, this measurement is crucial for distinguishing between supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, making understanding this metric essential for effective patient monitoring and care.