CET Patient Preparation & Safety Flashcards

What type of patient protection is built into ECG machines to prevent electrical hazards?

Answer: An isolated patient circuit that prevents dangerous current flow through the patient

Isolated patient circuits in medical-grade ECG machines prevent dangerous electrical current from passing through the patient.

What should a technician do if a patient's skin is excessively oily or diaphoretic before applying ECG electrodes?

Answer: Cleanse the skin with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry completely before placing electrodes

Alcohol removes oils and sweat that would otherwise increase skin impedance and degrade electrode contact quality.

What action should be taken before applying chest electrodes on a patient with excessive chest hair?

Answer: Clip or shave the area only after obtaining the patient's explicit consent

Hair prevents adequate electrode-skin contact, and shaving or clipping with consent is often necessary for an accurate tracing.

Why is it important to document a non-standard patient position on an ECG recording?

Answer: So the interpreting physician can account for positional changes in waveform morphology

Body position can alter the cardiac axis and wave amplitudes, directly affecting diagnostic interpretation.

What is the most appropriate response when a patient reports active chest pain immediately before an ECG?

Answer: Perform the ECG promptly during active symptoms to capture potential ischemic changes

Performing the ECG promptly during active chest pain can capture real-time ischemic changes that are critical for diagnosis.

Which PPE consideration applies to ECG technicians under standard precautions?

Answer: Wear gloves when contact with body fluids, open wounds, or non-intact skin is possible

Standard precautions require gloves when there is potential contact with blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin.