Important! Need answers

Published

Hey everyone! I'm new to this site. I'm a monitor tech, certified twice. I'm now trying to find a job as a monitor tech but I have to pass a competency exam. This is a test online that includes 41 questions about different rhythms. A lot of the questions would show a rhythm, ask you to interpret it, then it would ask what would you do and give you three options. I was never taught this. The options are:

1. Print out a strip and notify the nurse.

2. Notify the nurse STAT.

3. Notify the nurse STAT and prepare to shock if needed.

I feel kinda strange asking this but I REALLY want to try for this job and I can't believe I was never taught this. Google didn't help at all. If anyone knows what rhythms you should do what for please let me know? Going to retest Thursday.

Also, there were some questions that included NSR with a couple bouts of sinus arrest. Unsure about what to do about that too ... Thank y'all so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you don't know the answers to an initial competency test for monitor tech, how are you qualified for the job?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you don't know the answers to an initial competency test for monitor tech, how are you qualified for the job?

Sheeesh, harsh critics here.

She said she's been certified twice before. We all have questions about things, even the most experienced person. Yes, this does sound basic, but I think it's the style of the question that may be confusing.

My opinion is that it's B. I would want to be called immediately and then print strip, or simultaneously.

As far as the sinus arrest, you should google about Sinus pauses, Sinus arrests and Sinus arrhythmias.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Sheeesh, harsh critics here.

She said she's been certified twice before. We all have questions about things, even the most experienced person. Yes, this does sound basic, but I think it's the style of the question that may be confusing.

My opinion is that it's B. I would want to be called immediately and then print strip, or simultaneously.

In the progress of taking a competency test and posting in a message board for answers? This is isn't a recertification exam this is a competency test for a job she applied for, failure to demonstrate competency = not qualified for the job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much! I appreciate your help and you being nice about it. I have been certified twice before but I was not taught exactly when to notify or notify stat about things like that. Thank you again! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I asked for help. That's not a crime. And it's not my fault that I wasn't specifically taught that. I'm not an instructor I am a student. I asked a simple question for help, not for an opinion. Thanks though, I appreciate you being so kind as to offer me one even when I didn't ask! How thoughtful of you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
In the progress of taking a competency test and posting in a message board for answers? This is isn't a recertification exam this is a competency test for a job she applied for, failure to demonstrate competency = not qualified for the job.

It's one or two questions. I barely find that criteria to fail a competency test for a job, licence, certificate, or whatever. Everyone who has passed something like that did not answer 100% of the questions correctly, I know I didn't but I'm a darn good Nurse.

Lighten up a bit

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, again. I just want to improve myself and my knowledge as much as possible. I appreciate your support and kindness.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Then look online at the arrhythmia class for ACLS preparation from the American Heart Association.

Learn: Rhythm Adult

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much. I do appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.

My advice for preparing for this kind of question would be be to study the different arrhythmias and find out what they mean exactly as far as patient outcome is concerned. The rhythms that are precursors to arrest, you would notify immeideatly and prepare to shock whereas those that weren't quite as severe but still concerning you would consider notifying the nurse. Slight changes in baseline would probably require printing it out. Hope that helps and best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

What does "prepare to shock if needed" mean to you? When I read that, I visualize a monitor tech holding a defibrillator with the intention of shocking a patient... or me (giggle). Are monitor tech's certified to do direct patient care? :anbd:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion