Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response is characterized by a disorganized electrical activity in the atria, leading to an irregularly irregular rhythm. In this condition, the ventricular response is slowed, meaning that the ventricles do not respond rapidly to the chaotic signals from the atria.

When atrial fibrillation presents with a slow ventricular response, the ventricular rate is usually less than 60 beats per minute. This occurs due to various factors, including underlying heart block or the influence of medications that can slow conduction in the heart. The key point is that, in this scenario, while the atrial rate may be quite rapid due to the fibrillatory activity, the ventricular response remains slow, leading to a lower ventricular heart rate.

Other options present different scenarios where the atrial fibrillation might involve normal or increased ventricular rates, but in the context of 'slow ventricular response,' option B accurately reflects the physiological response expected in this situation. The definition of a slow ventricular response directly correlates to having a ventricular rate of less than 60 bpm, which is critical in understanding the implications of atrial fibrillation management and patient monitoring.