Patient Preparation
What are two common patient identifiers used before an EKG?
Full name and date of birth.
What is the key characteristic of sinus bradycardia?
Heart rate <60/min with normal P waves and QRS complexes.
What is an artifact in an EKG?
An external distortion that affects EKG readings.
V1/red
4th intercostal space, right sternal
True or False: A patient can leave their cell phone in their pocket during an EKG, as it does not affect the results.
False
What position should the patient be in for a standard EKG?
Supine, Semi-Fowler's (if needed)
What does sinus arrest mean?
The SA node fails to fire, causing a pause in heart activity.
What causes somatic tremors in an EKG reading?
Muscle movements, shivering, or conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
V2/yellow
4th intercostal space, left sternal
True or False: Alcohol wipes can be used to clean the skin before electrode placement.
True
What should patients remove before an EKG to prevent interference?
Jewelry, pantyhose, tights, socks
What are the risks associated with atrial fibrillation?
Blood clots & stroke risk due to disorganized atrial activity.
How does a wandering baseline appear, and what causes it?
The baseline moves up and down due to improper electrode contact, breathing movements, or lotion on the skin.
V3/green
halfway between V2 & V4
True or False: The baseline of an EKG should always be completely flat.
False (Some normal variation occurs; a completely flat line could indicate asystole or a lead issue.)
What should be done if an electrode won’t stick due to hair?
Trim the hair using surgical clippers or a razor.
What does ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) look like on an EKG?
Chaotic, irregular waveforms; no pulse or blood flow.
What does an interrupted baseline indicate?
A disconnected or broken lead wire.
V4/blue
5th intercostal space, left midclavicular line
True or False: An EKG machine can detect heart murmurs.
False (EKGs detect electrical activity, not heart sounds.)
How many electrodes are placed on the body during a 12-lead EKG, and where are they placed?
10 electrodes (6 on the chest, 4 on the limbs)
What should you do if a patient is in asystole?
Check leads, call 911, and begin CPR immediately.
What should be done if somatic tremors are interfering with the EKG?
Keep the patient warm and have them place hands under their buttocks.
V5/orange
horizontal line with V4 at anterior axillary line
True or False: A patient with a pacemaker will show pacing spikes on an EKG.
True