Preparation
What is used to clean the skin?
Alcohol prep wipes.
How should a patient without any special considerations be positioned?
In supine position.
How would the leads be placed for a patient with dextrocardia?
On the opposite sides.
Can a patient remove their Holter monitor by themselves?
No, they must see a healthcare professional for removal.
What leads are considered bipolar?
Lead 1, Lead 11, and Lead 111
What must you always get before performing an EKG?
Consent, DOB, and name.
How should a patient with tremors be placed?
Hands underneath them.
For a pediatric patient, which alternate lead may be used?
Lead V4R.
What can you not do with a Holter monitor?
Shower, bathe, or swim.
What leads are considered unipolar?
aVR, aVF, aVL Leads
What should you do if the area is too hairy for the electrodes to stick?
Shave the area.
How should an EKG Tech position a pregnant woman?
Semi-Fowlers or left lateral position.
Which patients are classified as special considerations?
Patients younger than 8 years old, amputees, and pregnant women.
What does a Holter Monitor do?
Records the hearts rhythm.
How many leads are in a standard 12-lead EKG?
10 Leads. (V1-6) (4 limb leads)
What should be offered during an EKG to maintain modesty?
A blanket or cover.
During a fetal EKG where would the leads be placed?
On the mothers abdomen.
Where would the leads be placed differently on an amputee?
Place limb leads on the torso, rather than the arms and legs
What should the EKG Tech instruct the patient not to do before a stress test?
Eat, smoke, or drink caffeine for at least 3 hours before.
Where should V8 be placed?
V8 should be placed on the back, between the axillary line and the vertebral column, at the fifth intercostal space
What should the EKG Tech do if a patient reports chest pain during an EKG?
Stop the test immediately and notify the provider.
Why shouldn't an EKG Tech place a pregnant mother flat on her back during an EKG?
It can compress the IVC and restrict blood flow.
Where would the arm leads go on a complete left arm amputee?
For a patient with a total left arm amputation, place both the right and left arm electrodes on the torso below the clavicle.
Why would a patient need a Holter monitor?
To irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or cardiac events.
Explain where each lead (1-6) are placed.
v1- 4th intercoastal space, right of sternum.
v2- 4th intercoastal space, left of sternum.
v3- between v2 and v4.
v4- 5th intercoastal space at midclavicular line.
v5- 5th intercoastal space at anterior axillary line.
v6-5th intercoastal space at midaxillary line.