ECG Holter Monitoring and Ambulatory ECG 3

Question 1

What skin preparation technique best improves Holter electrode adhesion and signal quality?

Accepted Answer

Lightly abrading the skin with gauze or prep pad and allowing it to dry completely

Answer

Applying moisturizing lotion before electrode placement

Answer

Cooling the skin with an ice pack immediately before applying electrodes

Answer

Applying petroleum jelly beneath the electrode gel pad

Question 2

What should a patient do if a Holter electrode falls off during monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Replace the electrode with a spare and note the time in the activity diary

Answer

Remove all remaining electrodes and return to the clinic immediately

Answer

Continue monitoring without replacing the electrode

Answer

Stop the recording and restart the entire monitoring period

Question 3

Which common household device is LEAST likely to cause interference with a Holter monitor recording?

Accepted Answer

Standard table lamp

Answer

Electric blanket

Answer

Microwave oven

Answer

TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

Question 4

A patient's Holter recording shows frequent motion artifact during a specific 30-minute period. What is the BEST first step in analysis?

Accepted Answer

Correlate the time period with the patient's activity diary to identify the cause

Answer

Discard that section of the recording entirely

Answer

Report the artifact as ventricular tachycardia to the physician

Answer

Ask the physician to reinterpret the entire 24-hour recording

Question 5

What are the recommended storage conditions for Holter recording digital media or flash cards?

Accepted Answer

At room temperature away from magnetic fields and extreme heat

Answer

Refrigerated at 35°F to preserve the data

Answer

In direct sunlight to prevent internal condensation

Answer

Permanently sealed in silica gel desiccant containers

Question 6

A patient reports wearing a tight belt directly over the Holter monitor lead wires for several hours. What artifact would most likely appear on the recording during that time?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent lead noise or signal dropout

Answer

Electrical alternans pattern on all leads

Answer

Consistent diffuse ST-segment elevation throughout

Answer

Presence of delta waves suggesting pre-excitation

Question 7

After the patient returns from a completed Holter recording, what is the FIRST step a technician should take?

Accepted Answer

Download the recording data and verify completeness before removing the monitor

Answer

Immediately dispose of the electrodes and clean the device for reuse

Answer

Print a 30-second rhythm strip and submit it without full analysis

Answer

Have the patient sign a post-procedure consent form