Portable EKG Machine
What do EKG Machines measure?
small differences in electrical charge or voltage between electrodes in a patients heart
What are some personal devices that might have an EKG in them?
Smart watches, fitness trackers, and handheld devices
What is a rhythm strip?
A 12 second tracing of lead II.
What is the standard color for the electrode LA?
Black
Where should the EKG machine be placed when conducting a test?
Placed near the patient, on their left side if possible
What are resting electrodes used for?
routine screening EKGS
Where is a Telemetry monitor used?
Used in large facilities
What are considered limb leads?
Leads I, II, and III
What should EKG Technicians always check before starting the EKG?
that the electrodes have the proper placement
What is the gain control?
On a EKG can be used to change the sensitivity of the machine
What are monitoring electrodes, and why might they be used?
circular pads are used for continuous monitoring, might be used when resting electrodes cannot be attached to the patient due to diaphoresis
What is an event moniter?
They only record the heart's electrical activity went the patient presses a button, an ambulatory moniter
What are Bipolar leads?
measure the differences in voltage between an electrically positive point and an electrically negative point
What does RA stand for, and where is the lead placement?
Right upper torso or Right Arm, just under the right clavicle at the right midclavicular line
What is Standard gain?
or the default setting on a EKG machine is 10 mm/mV
What does a portable EKG machine include?
A screen, keyboard, and printer, and might be part of a rolling cart
What is a stress test?
Tests that monitor how the heart responds to physical activity on a treadmill or stationary bicycle
What are known as precordial leads?
Leads V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6
Where is the electrode V2 placed?
In the fourth intercostal space just to the left of the sternum
How large are the preprinted blocks on EKG paper?
One-millimeter large
What do electrodes contain that makes them expire?
A special gel that conducts electrical signals from the skin to the lead wire
What is the purpose of a 12-lead EKG?
Used to assess rate, rhythm, and signs of acute or chronic heart disease when patient is experiencing symptoms, or as a screening tool
what is Einthoven's triangle named after?
A doctor who first recorded the heart's electrical activity in the early 1900s
What is the standard color for the electrode V5?
Orange
What is an artifact?
When the tracing is distorted or has an interference