ECG Lead Placement and Equipment Flashcards

What does the standard calibration signal on ECG paper look like?

Answer: 1 mV = 10 mm tall square wave

Standard ECG calibration is 1 mV = 10 mm (two large boxes) in amplitude.

Which leads are referred to as the augmented limb leads?

Answer: aVR, aVL, aVF

aVR, aVL, and aVF are the three augmented unipolar limb leads.

What is the recommended minimum number of leads monitored continuously in a telemetry unit?

Answer: 2

Continuous telemetry monitoring typically requires at least 2 leads to improve arrhythmia detection.

When a patient has a limb amputation preventing standard lead placement, where can the arm lead be repositioned?

Answer: On the shoulder or upper torso near the limb stump

When a limb is absent, the electrode is placed as close to the original site as possible, such as on the shoulder stump.

What is the voltage gain setting used in half-standardization on an ECG?

Answer: 5 mm/mV

Half-standardization sets gain to 5 mm/mV, used when waveforms are too tall at normal gain.

Which ECG artifact pattern is commonly caused by patient movement or shivering?

Answer: Muscle tremor artifact (high-frequency irregular baseline)

Patient movement or shivering creates high-frequency, irregular baseline noise called muscle tremor artifact.