EKG Lead Placement Knowledge Review Quiz

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.