EKG certification Certification EKG Patient Preparation & Clinical Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient reports taking a beta-blocker medication. How should the EKG technician respond?
- Refuse to perform the EKG until the medication is cleared
- Note the medication on the requisition form and proceed with the EKG normally (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to stop the medication before the EKG
- Increase the paper speed to compensate
Correct answer: Note the medication on the requisition form and proceed with the EKG normally
Beta-blockers can slow heart rate and affect rhythm, so they should be documented on the EKG requisition; the technician proceeds normally and the physician interprets accordingly.
Question 2: For a female patient with large breasts, where should the V3–V5 electrodes be placed?
- On top of breast tissue
- Beneath breast tissue in the standard anatomical positions (Correct answer)
- Above the clavicles
- On the left arm instead
Correct answer: Beneath breast tissue in the standard anatomical positions
Electrodes should be placed beneath breast tissue to maintain standard anatomical positions; placement on top of breast tissue alters lead axis and waveform morphology.
Question 3: A patient has a pacemaker. Which of the following is TRUE about obtaining an EKG on this patient?
- The EKG cannot be performed because the pacemaker will interfere with the machine
- The EKG can be performed normally; pacemaker spikes will appear on the tracing (Correct answer)
- The pacemaker must be deactivated before the EKG
- The technician must use a special non-standard electrode placement
Correct answer: The EKG can be performed normally; pacemaker spikes will appear on the tracing
EKGs can be performed normally on pacemaker patients; the tracing will show pacemaker spike artifacts followed by paced waveforms, which the physician interprets.
Question 4: What is the correct technique for locating the V1 electrode position on a patient?
- Palpate the second intercostal space at the right sternal border, then count down two spaces (Correct answer)
- Measure 4 cm from the center of the sternum on the right side
- Place it at the midclavicular line on the right
- Estimate based on visual chest landmarks only
Correct answer: Palpate the second intercostal space at the right sternal border, then count down two spaces
The standard technique is to palpate the sternal angle (angle of Louis), then locate the second rib and second intercostal space, counting down to the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border.
Question 5: What should an EKG technician do if a patient loses consciousness during the procedure?
- Complete the EKG and then notify staff
- Immediately call for help, activate emergency response, and stay with the patient (Correct answer)
- Remove all electrodes and leave the patient to get help
- Ask the patient's family to assist
Correct answer: Immediately call for help, activate emergency response, and stay with the patient
Patient safety is the absolute priority; the technician must immediately call for emergency assistance, remain with the patient, and initiate basic life support if trained and needed.
Question 6: How should an EKG technician respond if a patient refuses the procedure?
- Proceed anyway to avoid delays in care
- Document the refusal, inform the ordering provider, and respect the patient's decision (Correct answer)
- Attempt to perform the EKG without the patient's knowledge
- Call security to assist
Correct answer: Document the refusal, inform the ordering provider, and respect the patient's decision
Patient autonomy must be respected; the technician documents the refusal, notifies the ordering provider, and does not perform the procedure against the patient's wishes.
EKG certification Certification EKG Patient Preparation & Clinical Procedures 2
A patient reports taking a beta-blocker medication.
How should the EKG technician respond?