Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The term that best describes the situation where a pacemaker fails to deliver an electrical impulse, despite the heart's need for pacing, is known as failure to pace. This condition occurs when the pacemaker does not emit a signal to stimulate the heart, which can happen due to various technical issues such as battery depletion, lead dislodgment, or programming errors. Understanding failure to pace is crucial for recognizing and responding to potential issues with pacemakers, ensuring that the patient receives the necessary cardiac support.

In contrast, malfunctioning encompasses a broader range of potential issues with the device that may not specifically indicate a lack of pacing. Loss of capture refers to the scenario where the pacemaker sends a signal, but the heart does not respond to it. Oversensing occurs when the pacemaker detects signals that make it think the heart is beating effectively, which can prevent it from pacing as needed. These distinctions are important for effective diagnosis and treatment in cases of pacemaker issues.