CET Patient Preparation and Safety Flashcards

Before performing a 12-lead EKG, what is the correct patient skin preparation step to improve electrode adhesion?

Answer: Clip or shave excess hair and clean the skin with alcohol

Clipping hair and cleaning with alcohol removes oils and debris, ensuring good electrode-to-skin contact for a quality tracing.

Which patient position is standard for a routine resting 12-lead EKG?

Answer: Supine with legs uncrossed

The supine position with legs uncrossed is standard because it reduces muscle artifact and ensures consistent lead placement.

A patient is anxious and shivering during an EKG. What should the EKG technician do?

Answer: Cover the patient with a blanket and allow them to relax before recording

Shivering causes muscle artifact; warming and calming the patient before recording produces a cleaner tracing.

When should an EKG technician verify patient identity before performing a procedure?

Answer: Using at least two patient identifiers before every procedure

The Joint Commission requires two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before every procedure to prevent errors.

Which infection control practice is MOST important before and after touching each patient during EKG testing?

Answer: Performing hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the single most effective infection control measure before and after every patient contact.

A patient states they have a pacemaker. What is the first action the EKG technician should take?

Answer: Document the pacemaker on the requisition and proceed normally

Documenting pacemaker presence on the requisition alerts interpreting clinicians to expect pacemaker spikes on the tracing.