CET CET Patient Preparation & Safety

Question 1

What is the primary reason for instructing a patient to remain still during an ECG recording?

Accepted Answer

To prevent motion artifact from contaminating the tracing

Answer

To reduce patient anxiety

Answer

To allow the technician to place leads more accurately

Answer

To conserve battery power in portable ECG machines

Question 2

Before applying ECG electrodes, what skin preparation step most directly improves signal quality?

Accepted Answer

Clean and dry the skin, removing excess hair if necessary

Answer

Apply a thick layer of lotion to the skin

Answer

Leave the skin untouched to avoid discomfort

Answer

Apply ice to cool the skin before electrode placement

Question 3

What is the standard patient position for a resting 12-lead ECG?

Accepted Answer

Supine (lying flat) with arms at the sides

Answer

Sitting upright at 90 degrees

Answer

Standing with arms relaxed at the sides

Answer

Left lateral decubent with knees bent

Question 4

Which statement best describes informed consent requirements for a routine ECG?

Accepted Answer

The patient should be informed of the procedure and its non-invasive nature

Answer

A signed surgical consent form is required before every ECG

Answer

Consent is not needed because ECG poses zero risk

Answer

Only verbal consent from a family member is acceptable

Question 5

What is the correct action if a patient reports an adhesive allergy during ECG preparation?

Accepted Answer

Substitute hypoallergenic or non-adhesive electrodes to complete the test

Answer

Proceed as normal since ECG electrodes contain no latex or adhesive

Answer

Cancel the procedure entirely and reschedule

Answer

Apply standard electrodes directly over the patient's clothing

Question 6

Which safety precaution is essential when performing an ECG on a patient with an implanted pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Document the presence of the pacemaker and note it on the ECG requisition

Answer

Disable the pacemaker temporarily before recording

Answer

Use twice the standard voltage gain setting on the machine

Answer

Skip precordial leads to avoid interference with the device