Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the normal heart rhythm originating in the sinoatrial node called?

1. Ventricular Tachycardia

2. Normal Sinus Rhythm

3. Atrial Flutter

4. Supraventricular Tachycardia

The correct answer is: Normal Sinus Rhythm

The normal heart rhythm originating in the sinoatrial node is referred to as Normal Sinus Rhythm. This rhythm is characterized by a steady, regular heartbeat that is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute in a resting adult. The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium of the heart, functions as the natural pacemaker, generating electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat. When these impulses are conducted normally throughout the heart, they lead to the efficient contraction of the atria and ventricles, maintaining an effective blood flow. Normal Sinus Rhythm indicates not just the rate of the heartbeat but also the correct sequence of electrical conduction, thereby ensuring that the heart operates effectively and healthily. In contrast, other rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia reflect abnormalities in heart rhythm, often resulting from issues in the heart's electrical conduction system. Each of these conditions has distinctive features that differ from the regulated and consistent nature of Normal Sinus Rhythm. For instance, ventricular tachycardia is typically too rapid and originates from the ventricles, while atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia involve abnormal electrical activity in the atria or