CCT Artifact Recognition and Troubleshooting

Question 1

What is the most common cause of 60 Hz AC interference on an ECG tracing?

Accepted Answer

Improper grounding or nearby electrical equipment

Answer

AC interference at 60 Hz is caused by improper grounding or electromagnetic interference from nearby electrical equipment in the room.

Question 2

Somatic tremor artifact on an ECG is most likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

Patient muscle movement or shaking

Answer

Somatic tremor artifact results from involuntary patient muscle movement or shaking, producing irregular baseline oscillations on the tracing.

Question 3

Wandering baseline artifact is most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Respiratory movement or poor electrode-skin contact

Answer

Wandering baseline is typically caused by respiratory movement or poor electrode-skin contact, making the baseline drift rhythmically up and down.

Question 4

Which characteristic best distinguishes 60 Hz AC interference from somatic tremor artifact?

Accepted Answer

AC interference appears as uniform, regular oscillations at 60 cycles per second

Answer

AC interference appears as perfectly regular, uniform oscillations at exactly 60 Hz, distinguishing it from the irregular, variable pattern of somatic tremor.

Question 5

To minimize motion artifact during ECG recording, the technician should:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient is relaxed, warm, and comfortably positioned

Answer

Ensuring the patient is relaxed, warm, and comfortable minimizes muscle tension and involuntary movement, which are primary sources of motion artifact.

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT Artifact Recognition and Troubleshooting