ECG ECG Patient Safety and Legal Standards

Question 1

Before performing an ECG, the technician must obtain:

Accepted Answer

Patient identification verification and verbal consent for the procedure

Answer

Written consent signed by a physician

Answer

Insurance authorization only

Answer

A physician's verbal order only, no patient interaction needed

Question 2

The two-identifier rule for patient safety requires confirming:

Accepted Answer

Patient name and date of birth (or medical record number)

Answer

Room number and bed number

Answer

Patient age and gender only

Answer

Insurance ID and address

Question 3

What is the purpose of the right leg (RL) electrode in ECG safety design?

Accepted Answer

Serves as the electrical ground/reference to reduce interference and protect patient

Answer

Records right heart signals

Answer

Records the inferior wall

Answer

Controls paper speed

Question 4

Which standard governs the electrical safety requirements for ECG machines used in US hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) / IEC 60601 standard

Answer

FDA Drug Approval Standard

Answer

OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard

Answer

CMS billing standard

Question 5

What is the maximum safe leakage current from an ECG machine to the patient?

Accepted Answer

10 µA (microamperes) for applied part in cardiac floating connection

Answer

500 mA

Answer

1 A

Answer

100 mA

Question 6

When should the ECG technician wash or sanitize their hands?

Accepted Answer

Before and after every patient contact, following standard precautions

Answer

Only before the procedure

Answer

Only if gloves are not available

Answer

Only after contact with body fluids