ECG Equipment and Maintenance Flashcards

What is the minimum acceptable skin impedance reduction before recording a diagnostic ECG?

Answer: Below 5,000 ohms (5 kΩ)

Skin impedance should ideally be below 5 kΩ per electrode site; skin preparation such as light abrasion and alcohol cleansing helps achieve this.

Which of the following is a correct step in preparing skin for ECG electrode placement?

Answer: Wipe skin with alcohol and allow to dry

Cleaning the skin with alcohol removes oils and debris, and allowing it to dry before electrode placement lowers impedance for a quality tracing.

What does an isolation transformer in an ECG machine provide?

Answer: Electrical safety by preventing direct current path to patient

The isolation transformer electrically isolates the patient circuit from the power supply, protecting the patient from microshock and macroshock hazards.

If the ECG machine displays a 'lead fail' message, what is the first corrective action?

Answer: Check and reattach the electrode at the reported lead site

A 'lead fail' message indicates a connection problem at a specific electrode, so checking and reattaching that electrode is the appropriate first step.

What type of battery backup is most important for an ECG machine used in mobile settings?

Answer: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with sufficient runtime

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery with adequate runtime ensures the ECG machine operates reliably in mobile or emergency settings without AC power.

How many electrodes are required to record a standard 12-lead ECG?

Answer: 10

A 12-lead ECG uses 10 electrodes (4 limb and 6 precordial) to derive 12 electrical views of the heart.