EKG Lead Placement Knowledge Review Quiz

1. Which of the following are unsatisfactory technical tracings that may be identified when performing an EKG on your patient?

Electrical interference

Wandering baseline

Muscle tremor

All of the above

The correct answer is "all of the above" because electrical interference, wandering baseline, and muscle tremor are all examples of unsatisfactory technical tracings that can be identified when performing an EKG on a patient. Electrical interference can result from external sources such as electrical equipment or poor electrode contact, causing artifacts on the EKG tracing. Wandering baseline refers to a fluctuating baseline that can make it difficult to interpret the EKG accurately. Muscle tremor can also cause artifacts and distort the EKG tracing, making it unreliable for analysis.

Explanation

The correct answer is "all of the above" because electrical interference, wandering baseline, and muscle tremor are all examples of unsatisfactory technical tracings that can be identified when performing an EKG on a patient. Electrical interference can result from external sources such as electrical equipment or poor electrode contact, causing artifacts on the EKG tracing. Wandering baseline refers to a fluctuating baseline that can make it difficult to interpret the EKG accurately. Muscle tremor can also cause artifacts and distort the EKG tracing, making it unreliable for analysis.

2. You should always place limb leads over bony prominences.

True

False

Placing limb leads over bony prominences is not necessary or recommended. Limb leads are typically placed on the fleshy parts of the limbs, such as the upper arm and thigh, to ensure good contact and accurate readings. Placing them over bony areas can result in poor contact and unreliable readings.

Explanation

Placing limb leads over bony prominences is not necessary or recommended. Limb leads are typically placed on the fleshy parts of the limbs, such as the upper arm and thigh, to ensure good contact and accurate readings. Placing them over bony areas can result in poor contact and unreliable readings.

3. What is the cause of each of the following abnormal tracings:

Electrical interference

Wandering baseline

Somatic tremor

Submit

4. When applying the electrodes to the patient, all leads should point in the direction of the patient's head.

True

False

The statement is false because when applying electrodes to a patient, the leads should actually point in the opposite direction of the patient's head. This is to ensure that the electrical signals captured by the electrodes are recorded correctly and can be interpreted accurately. Placing the leads in the wrong direction could lead to incorrect readings and potentially affect the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

Explanation

The statement is false because when applying electrodes to a patient, the leads should actually point in the opposite direction of the patient's head. This is to ensure that the electrical signals captured by the electrodes are recorded correctly and can be interpreted accurately. Placing the leads in the wrong direction could lead to incorrect readings and potentially affect the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

5. Which of the following is a contraindication for performing an EKG?

Diagnosis of abnormal conductions of impulses through the heart

Abnormalities resulting from blood flow problems

Severe trauma to the chest

Preoperative assessment

Performing an EKG involves placing electrodes on the chest to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Severe trauma to the chest can cause damage to the underlying structures, including the heart, and may interfere with the accuracy of the EKG results. Therefore, it is a contraindication for performing an EKG.

Explanation

Performing an EKG involves placing electrodes on the chest to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Severe trauma to the chest can cause damage to the underlying structures, including the heart, and may interfere with the accuracy of the EKG results. Therefore, it is a contraindication for performing an EKG.

6. Match each of the following lead placements with their physical landmark:

V1

V2

V4

V6

Submit

7. The best electrical conduction when performing an EKG can be seen when you de-fat and abrade the skin.

True

False

When performing an EKG, de-fatting and abrading the skin can improve electrical conduction. De-fatting involves removing any oils or lotions from the skin, which can create a barrier between the electrodes and the skin. Abrading the skin helps to remove dead skin cells and create a rougher surface, which enhances the contact between the electrodes and the skin. These steps ensure better electrical conduction, allowing for more accurate readings during an EKG.

Explanation

When performing an EKG, de-fatting and abrading the skin can improve electrical conduction. De-fatting involves removing any oils or lotions from the skin, which can create a barrier between the electrodes and the skin. Abrading the skin helps to remove dead skin cells and create a rougher surface, which enhances the contact between the electrodes and the skin. These steps ensure better electrical conduction, allowing for more accurate readings during an EKG.

8. Oily skin should be cleansed first with alcohol and then washed with soap and water.

True

False

The statement is false because cleansing oily skin with alcohol can strip away the natural oils and disrupt the skin's barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. It is recommended to cleanse oily skin with a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin, followed by rinsing with water.

Explanation

The statement is false because cleansing oily skin with alcohol can strip away the natural oils and disrupt the skin's barrier, leading to dryness and irritation. It is recommended to cleanse oily skin with a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin, followed by rinsing with water.

9. The best position to place your patient for an EKG is with their head flat or at no more than 90 degrees.

True

False

Placing the patient's head flat or at no more than 90 degrees is not the best position for an EKG. The correct position for an EKG is to have the patient lying flat on their back with their head elevated at a 30-degree angle. This position helps to ensure accurate readings and minimize any potential discomfort for the patient.

Explanation

Placing the patient's head flat or at no more than 90 degrees is not the best position for an EKG. The correct position for an EKG is to have the patient lying flat on their back with their head elevated at a 30-degree angle. This position helps to ensure accurate readings and minimize any potential discomfort for the patient.