ECG ECG Lead Placement and Technique 4

Question 1

What is the most likely cause of a wandering baseline on the ECG tracing?

Accepted Answer

Patient movement or breathing

Answer

Wandering baseline is usually caused by patient movement, respiration, or loose electrodes.

Question 2

A fine, rapid, uniform tremor artifact at 60 Hz most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

AC (electrical) interference

Answer

Regular 60 Hz artifact typically comes from nearby AC electrical sources.

Question 3

Before applying electrodes to a hairy chest, the technician should:

Accepted Answer

Clip or shave the hair at the site

Answer

Clipping hair ensures good skin-to-electrode contact and reduces artifact.

Question 4

Irregular, jittery, coarse artifact that varies with patient tension suggests:

Accepted Answer

Somatic (muscle) tremor

Answer

Muscle (somatic) tremor produces irregular, jagged artifact from tense or moving muscles.

Question 5

To prepare skin for electrode placement, the technician should first:

Accepted Answer

Clean and lightly abrade the site

Answer

Cleaning and gentle abrasion removes oils and dead skin for better conduction.

ECG (Electrocardiogram) Practice Test