CET CET Patient Preparation & Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should the technician verify patient identity before performing an ECG?
- Only if the patient appears confused or disoriented
- Always, using at least two patient identifiers before beginning (Correct answer)
- Only for inpatients, not outpatients or walk-ins
- After the ECG is complete to save setup time
Correct answer: Always, using at least two patient identifiers before beginning
Two-identifier verification is a standard safety protocol that prevents errors in patient identification.
Question 2: Why is room temperature important during ECG recording?
- Cold rooms below 60°F improve electrode conductivity
- A comfortable temperature around 68–75°F reduces patient shivering and artifact (Correct answer)
- Room temperature has no effect on ECG signal quality
- Hot rooms above 85°F maximize electrode adhesion
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of using pre-gelled or conductive-gel electrodes during ECG recording?
- To hold electrodes in place mechanically on the skin
- To reduce electrical impedance between the electrode and the skin surface (Correct answer)
- To protect the patient from burns caused by electrical current
- To mark electrode placement sites permanently on the skin
Correct 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.
Question 4: How should a technician respond if a patient becomes anxious or distressed during an ECG?
- Continue without interruption to finish the recording as fast as possible
- Pause the procedure, reassure the patient, and address their concerns (Correct answer)
- Administer a sedative and then resume when the patient is calm
- Increase recording speed to complete the test more quickly
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which patient instruction is most important for obtaining an artifact-free resting ECG?
- Hold your breath completely throughout the entire recording
- Breathe rapidly to maximize blood oxygenation during the test
- Relax, breathe normally, and avoid talking or moving during recording (Correct answer)
- Clench your fists tightly to stabilize the arm electrodes
Correct answer: Relax, breathe normally, and avoid talking or moving during recording
Normal quiet breathing and stillness minimize respiratory and motion artifact throughout the recording.
Question 6: What is the standard duration of a resting 12-lead ECG recording in the United States?
- 30 seconds of continuous recording
- Approximately 10 seconds capturing all 12 leads simultaneously (Correct answer)
- 5 minutes to document multiple complete cardiac cycles
- 1 minute with each lead recorded separately
Correct 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.
CET CET Patient Preparation & Safety 2
When should the technician verify patient identity before performing an ECG?