Performing Electrocardiograph (EKG/ECG) Competency Exam

1. An EKG is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart.

True

False

An EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps diagnose various heart conditions and abnormalities. By placing electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs, the EKG machine records the electrical signals produced by the heart, which can then be analyzed by healthcare professionals to assess the heart's rhythm and detect any irregularities or problems. Therefore, the statement "An EKG is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart" is true.

Explanation

An EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps diagnose various heart conditions and abnormalities. By placing electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs, the EKG machine records the electrical signals produced by the heart, which can then be analyzed by healthcare professionals to assess the heart's rhythm and detect any irregularities or problems. Therefore, the statement "An EKG is used to assess the electrical activity of the heart" is true.

2. _______ must be included in the patient identifying information in EKG machine.

Marital status, DOB, diagnosis and SSN

Name, DOB, SSN, and gender

Diagnosis, SSN, DOB and gender

The patient identifying information in an EKG machine should include the patient's name, date of birth (DOB), social security number (SSN), and gender. This information is crucial for accurately identifying the patient and ensuring that the EKG results are attributed to the correct individual. Marital status and diagnosis are not typically required for patient identification purposes in an EKG machine.

Explanation

The patient identifying information in an EKG machine should include the patient's name, date of birth (DOB), social security number (SSN), and gender. This information is crucial for accurately identifying the patient and ensuring that the EKG results are attributed to the correct individual. Marital status and diagnosis are not typically required for patient identification purposes in an EKG machine.

3. ________ are used to clean the skin prior to placing electrodes on skin surfaces.

Betadine swabsticks

Soap and water

Alcohol pads

Alcohol pads are used to clean the skin prior to placing electrodes on skin surfaces. They are effective in removing dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin, ensuring a clean surface for electrode placement. Alcohol pads contain isopropyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the skin. Using alcohol pads helps to reduce the risk of infection and ensures proper adhesion of the electrodes to the skin.

Explanation

Alcohol pads are used to clean the skin prior to placing electrodes on skin surfaces. They are effective in removing dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin, ensuring a clean surface for electrode placement. Alcohol pads contain isopropyl alcohol, which has antiseptic properties and helps to disinfect the skin. Using alcohol pads helps to reduce the risk of infection and ensures proper adhesion of the electrodes to the skin.

4. After EKG is obtained, who is ultimately responsible for interpreting the findings?

Nurse

Physician

Both physican and nurse

The physician is ultimately responsible for interpreting the findings of an EKG. While the nurse may assist in the process, the physician has the medical knowledge and expertise to accurately analyze and interpret the results. They are trained to identify any abnormalities or potential issues that may require further investigation or treatment. Therefore, the physician is the primary healthcare professional who is responsible for interpreting EKG findings.

Explanation

The physician is ultimately responsible for interpreting the findings of an EKG. While the nurse may assist in the process, the physician has the medical knowledge and expertise to accurately analyze and interpret the results. They are trained to identify any abnormalities or potential issues that may require further investigation or treatment. Therefore, the physician is the primary healthcare professional who is responsible for interpreting EKG findings.

5. The EKG machine has how many electrodes?

8

11

10

The EKG machine has 10 electrodes.

Explanation

The EKG machine has 10 electrodes.

6. When should EKG electrodes be removed from the patient?

After nurse orders MA to do so.

Before you leave the room to consult with physician.

After physician reviews EKG strip.

EKG electrodes should be removed from the patient after the physician reviews the EKG strip. This is because the physician needs to analyze the results of the EKG before any further action can be taken. Removing the electrodes before the physician reviews the strip may result in incomplete or inaccurate information being conveyed, which could affect the patient's diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to wait for the physician's review before removing the electrodes.

Explanation

EKG electrodes should be removed from the patient after the physician reviews the EKG strip. This is because the physician needs to analyze the results of the EKG before any further action can be taken. Removing the electrodes before the physician reviews the strip may result in incomplete or inaccurate information being conveyed, which could affect the patient's diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to wait for the physician's review before removing the electrodes.

7. V6 electrode is placed where?

Left mid-axillary line

Left anterior axillary line

Left margin of sternum

The V6 electrode is placed in the left mid-axillary line. This is a specific anatomical location on the left side of the body, in line with the armpit. Placing the electrode in this position allows for accurate recording of electrical activity from the heart. The left anterior axillary line and left margin of the sternum are not the correct placements for the V6 electrode.

Explanation

The V6 electrode is placed in the left mid-axillary line. This is a specific anatomical location on the left side of the body, in line with the armpit. Placing the electrode in this position allows for accurate recording of electrical activity from the heart. The left anterior axillary line and left margin of the sternum are not the correct placements for the V6 electrode.

8. An EKG can be performed by an MA using just a nurse authorization?

True

False

An EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It requires specialized training and knowledge to perform accurately. While a medical assistant (MA) may be able to assist in the process, they cannot perform an EKG on their own with just a nurse authorization. The complexity and importance of the test necessitate that it be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a nurse or a technician, who has received proper training and certification in conducting EKGs. Therefore, the statement that an MA can perform an EKG with just a nurse authorization is false.

Explanation

An EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It requires specialized training and knowledge to perform accurately. While a medical assistant (MA) may be able to assist in the process, they cannot perform an EKG on their own with just a nurse authorization. The complexity and importance of the test necessitate that it be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a nurse or a technician, who has received proper training and certification in conducting EKGs. Therefore, the statement that an MA can perform an EKG with just a nurse authorization is false.

9. What should be used to secure electroces in place if they do not affix on patient's skin?

Medical tape should be used to secure electrodes in place if they do not affix on the patient's skin. This is because medical tape is designed to adhere to the skin and provide a secure hold. By using medical tape, the electrodes can be properly secured, ensuring accurate readings and preventing them from moving or falling off during the procedure.

Explanation

Medical tape should be used to secure electrodes in place if they do not affix on the patient's skin. This is because medical tape is designed to adhere to the skin and provide a secure hold. By using medical tape, the electrodes can be properly secured, ensuring accurate readings and preventing them from moving or falling off during the procedure.

Submit

10. If a patient at PHC has chest hair, you can shave the patient with a disposable razor.

True

False

Shaving a patient with a disposable razor is not recommended, especially if they have chest hair. Shaving can cause irritation, cuts, and potential infection. It is important to use proper medical equipment and techniques for shaving patients, especially in a healthcare setting like a Primary Health Center (PHC). Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

Shaving a patient with a disposable razor is not recommended, especially if they have chest hair. Shaving can cause irritation, cuts, and potential infection. It is important to use proper medical equipment and techniques for shaving patients, especially in a healthcare setting like a Primary Health Center (PHC). Therefore, the correct answer is False.