Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What best describes a Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)?

1. Irregular heart rhythm occurring after normal heartbeats

2. Atrial contractions occurring earlier than expected

3. Regular rhythm with dropped QRS complexes

4. Consistent heart rhythm with occasional spikes

The correct answer is: Atrial contractions occurring earlier than expected

A Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) is characterized by atrial contractions that occur earlier than expected during the cardiac cycle. This phenomenon results from an ectopic focus in the atrium that triggers an impulse before the next regular heartbeat can occur. The appearance of a PAC can disrupt the normal rhythm but is typically followed by a pause before the next heartbeat, which allows for the normal sinus rhythm to reset. Understanding the nature of PACs is crucial, as they are often benign and can be a common occurrence in patients with minimal or no underlying cardiovascular issues. The perception of an early beat can create an awareness in patients, often leading them to describe the sensation as a "flutter" or "skipped beat." The other options do not accurately represent the nature of a PAC. Irregular heart rhythms can encompass various arrhythmias but do not specifically define PACs. Dropped QRS complexes indicate a different type of conduction block rather than premature contractions, while consistent heart rhythms with spikes may relate to other types of arrhythmias without the characteristic early atrial contraction aspect of PACs.