Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What does fast heart rate signify in a patient?

Bradycardia
Atrial Fibrillation
Tachycardia
Myocardial Infarction

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

A fast heart rate is referred to as tachycardia. This condition occurs when the heart beats faster than normal, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. Tachycardia can indicate various underlying health issues, such as stress, anemia, or heart problems, and may necessitate further evaluation to determine the cause. In contrast, bradycardia signifies a slower than normal heart rate. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to various complications, but it does not simply denote a fast heart rate. A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, may be accompanied by a fast heart rate, but it is primarily a serious condition caused by the blockage of blood flow to the heart. Thus, tachycardia is the correct term to use when specifically indicating a fast heart rate in patients.