Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

Which finding is consistent with bradycardia?

1. Elevated blood pressure

2. Rapid heart rate

3. Cold and clammy skin

4. Warm and dry skin

The correct answer is: Cold and clammy skin

In the context of bradycardia, which is characterized by a slower than normal heart rate (typically below 60 beats per minute), cold and clammy skin can be a significant finding. This response is often due to the body's compensatory mechanisms when it is experiencing reduced cardiac output, which can occur during events like bradycardia. When the heart is not pumping enough blood effectively, peripheral circulation may be compromised, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the skin and resulting in a cold and clammy feeling. This finding reflects the body's attempt to prioritize blood flow to vital organs over the extremities. Other options, such as elevated blood pressure or rapid heart rate, do not align with the characteristics of bradycardia. Elevated blood pressure is typically associated with other conditions rather than bradycardia, which generally leads to lower blood pressure due to reduced cardiac output. Similarly, a rapid heart rate directly contradicts the definition of bradycardia. Warm and dry skin is more consistent with stable hemodynamic conditions, which would not typically present alongside the symptoms of bradycardia, making cold and clammy skin a more fitting sign in this scenario.