CET Patient Preparation & Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CET Patient Preparation & Safety flashcards as text
When should the technician verify patient identity before performing an ECG?
Answer: Always, using at least two patient identifiers before beginning
Two-identifier verification is a standard safety protocol that prevents errors in patient identification.
Why is room temperature important during ECG recording?
Answer: A comfortable temperature around 68–75°F reduces patient shivering and artifact
A comfortable room temperature prevents patient shivering, which produces muscle tremor artifact on the ECG tracing.
What is the purpose of using pre-gelled or conductive-gel electrodes during ECG recording?
Answer: To reduce electrical impedance between the electrode and the skin surface
Conductive gel improves electrical contact by reducing impedance, which minimizes signal noise and improves waveform clarity.
How should a technician respond if a patient becomes anxious or distressed during an ECG?
Answer: Pause the procedure, reassure the patient, and address their concerns
Patient comfort and safety take priority, and anxiety also causes muscle artifact that degrades tracing quality.
Which patient instruction is most important for obtaining an artifact-free resting ECG?
Answer: Relax, breathe normally, and avoid talking or moving during recording
Normal quiet breathing and stillness minimize respiratory and motion artifact throughout the recording.
What is the standard duration of a resting 12-lead ECG recording in the United States?
Answer: Approximately 10 seconds capturing all 12 leads simultaneously
Standard 12-lead ECGs capture approximately 10 seconds of rhythm to document one or more complete cardiac cycles per lead.