CCT Patient Care and Safety 2

Question 1

A patient tells the CCT technician they are allergic to latex before an ECG. What is the technician's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Use latex-free supplies and alert the care team, documenting the allergy in the patient's record

Answer

Proceed with the test and monitor the patient for reactions

Answer

Cancel the ECG until latex-free supplies are obtained from another facility

Answer

Apply a barrier cream before using latex gloves

Question 2

What is the correct protocol for verifying patient identity before performing an ECG?

Accepted Answer

Use two patient identifiers, such as asking the patient to state their full name and date of birth, then compare with the order/wristband

Answer

Ask the patient 'Are you [patient name]?' as a single identifier check

Answer

Check the patient's room number as the primary identifier

Answer

Rely on the nurse's verbal confirmation of the patient's identity

Question 3

A patient experiences a vasovagal syncope episode during electrode placement for an ECG. What should the technician do first?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient's airway is maintained and lower their head (Trendelenburg or supine position), then call for help

Answer

Continue applying electrodes while calling for assistance

Answer

Have the patient stand up and walk to prevent further syncope

Answer

Administer oral glucose to treat presumed hypoglycemia

Question 4

When performing ECGs on patients in an ICU with multiple IV pumps and infusion devices running, which precaution is most important for preventing electrical interference?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all ECG cables are routed away from IV pump power cords and run the ECG machine on battery power if possible

Answer

Turn off all IV pumps before taking the ECG

Answer

Ground the patient to the bed frame before applying electrodes

Answer

Use double the standard number of electrodes to improve signal quality

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the proper technique for safely disconnecting an ECG machine from a patient in a hospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Remove lead wires from electrodes first, then remove electrodes from the skin, starting with the limbs

Answer

Pull all electrodes off simultaneously using a fast motion to minimize discomfort

Answer

Remove the ECG cable from the machine first, then pull electrodes off

Answer

Electrodes should always be cut free with scissors

Question 6

A patient undergoing an ECG asks the technician what the test is for. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the ECG records the heart's electrical activity and is used by the doctor to evaluate heart rhythm and function, then refer clinical questions to the physician

Answer

Tell the patient it is confidential information that only the doctor can share

Answer

Give the patient a detailed interpretation of what the ECG may show

Answer

Tell the patient not to worry and that it is routine