Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What does IVR stand for in cardiovascular terminology?

1. Inferior ventricular rhythm

2. Idioventricular rhythm

3. Intermittent ventricular response

4. Intra-ventricular rhythm

The correct answer is: Idioventricular rhythm

In cardiovascular terminology, IVR stands for Idioventricular rhythm. This term refers to a specific type of heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart. An Idioventricular rhythm is usually a response to the failure of the normal pacemaker cells in the heart, such as the sinoatrial (SA) node, to generate impulses effectively. This can occur in situations like heart block or post-myocardial infarction. The Idioventricular rhythm features a slower heart rate than normal and is characterized by wide QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram (ECG). These rhythms often indicate that the heart's ventricular tissue is taking over control to function as a pacemaker, ensuring that at least some level of blood flow is maintained, even when the upper chambers fail to coordinate effectively. Understanding this rhythm is crucial for patient care technicians, as it can provide insight into the cardiac function of a patient and help guide further medical intervention if necessary.