Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What characterizes a 2nd-degree block type 2?

PRI remains constant in length
Intermittently conducted P waves with progressive PR prolongation
More QRS complexes than P waves
Every other QRS complex is absent

The correct answer is: PRI remains constant in length

A 2nd-degree block type 2, also known as Mobitz type II, is characterized by a constant PR interval. This means that the time it takes between the P wave (which represents atrial depolarization) and the QRS complex (which represents ventricular depolarization) remains stable across cycles. In this type of block, some of the atrial impulses (P waves) do not get conducted to the ventricles, resulting in dropped QRS complexes. However, the key distinguishing feature is that the PR interval does not change from one beat to the next; it stays consistent. This is in contrast to other types of AV blocks where intervals may vary. Understanding the distinguishing characteristics of different types of heart blocks is essential for patient care technicians, as they may need to monitor heart rhythms and recognize potential cardiac issues. In the case of a 2nd-degree block type 1, the PR interval would progressively prolong until a QRS complex is dropped, which is not the case here. The features of more QRS complexes than P waves or every other QRS complex being absent do not accurately describe 2nd-degree block type 2, which specifically hinges on the stability of the PR interval.