Practice Test Geeks(CET) Certified Electrocardiogram Technician Practice Test
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ECG Artifact Troubleshooting Flashcards

7 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 7 ECG Artifact Troubleshooting flashcards as text

  1. A patient with Parkinson's disease produces a continuous tremor artifact on the ECG that closely mimics atrial flutter waves. Which feature best distinguishes true atrial flutter from tremor artifact?

    Answer: Flutter waves maintain a consistent morphology and rate across all leads

    True atrial flutter produces sawtooth waves of uniform morphology at a consistent rate (typically 250–350 bpm) in all leads, whereas tremor artifact varies in amplitude and regularity.

  2. During electrode application, the technician notices the patient has very oily skin. Which preparation step is MOST important to reduce motion artifact?

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

    Oil creates a barrier between the electrode and skin; cleansing removes it, and allowing the alcohol to dry prevents impedance changes from solvent residue.

  3. What is the primary reason limb lead cables should not be draped over the patient's body during recording?

    Answer: Cable movement generates motion artifact via triboelectric effect

    The triboelectric effect causes charge generation when cables rub against the patient's skin or gown, introducing motion artifact into the signal.

  4. An ECG recorded in the ICU shows 60 Hz interference only when a specific IV infusion pump is running. The best corrective action is:

    Answer: Reposition the ECG lead wires away from the pump and its power cable

    Routing ECG lead wires away from the power cable of the infusion pump reduces electromagnetic coupling that causes 60 Hz artifact.

  5. A flat line appears in lead V5 while all other leads record normally. After checking the lead wire connection, the technician should next:

    Answer: Inspect the V5 electrode for adequate gel and skin contact

    A flat line in a single precordial lead most often indicates the electrode has lost contact with the skin, making adequate gel and adhesion the next check.

  6. Which filter setting is most appropriate for a standard diagnostic resting 12-lead ECG recording to preserve accurate ST-segment morphology?

    Answer: 0.05–150 Hz bandwidth

    The AHA recommends a 0.05–150 Hz bandwidth for diagnostic ECGs to preserve low-frequency ST changes and high-frequency QRS detail without distortion.

  7. A pediatric patient cannot remain still, producing continuous motion artifact. Which strategy is appropriate to minimize artifact while maintaining diagnostic quality?

    Answer: Record during natural sleep or a quiet moment and lengthen the recording duration

    Recording during a calm or sleeping period captures the clearest signal without altering the ECG with pharmacological intervention or reducing diagnostic leads.