EKG Equipment & Artifact Troubleshooting Flashcards
6 cards from real EKG certification Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 EKG Equipment & Artifact Troubleshooting flashcards as text
In a properly functioning EKG machine, the standardization mark at the beginning of each lead should measure:
Answer: 10 mm tall and 0.2 sec wide
The standard calibration pulse should be 10 mm (1 mV) tall and 0.2 seconds wide, confirming the machine is properly calibrated.
Which of the following describes the function of a right leg (RL/N) electrode in a 12-lead EKG?
Answer: It serves as a ground electrode to reduce electrical interference
The right leg electrode acts as a ground (neutral) electrode that helps cancel out electrical noise and interference, improving signal quality.
What is the most likely cause of an intermittent or 'dropped' signal on one lead of a 12-lead EKG?
Answer: Loose or partially detached electrode on that lead
An intermittent signal on one lead is most commonly caused by a loose electrode connection or a lead wire that is not fully snapped to the electrode.
EKG paper has two types of grid squares. The larger square is made up of how many small squares?
Answer: 25 small squares
Each large (bold) square on EKG paper consists of 25 small squares (5 across × 5 down), with each small square representing 0.04 sec and 0.1 mV.
A technician notices the QRS complexes are clipping off the top of the paper. What is the correct adjustment?
Answer: Switch to half standard sensitivity (5 mm/mV)
Switching to half standard (5 mm/mV) reduces the amplitude of all deflections by half, preventing tall QRS complexes from clipping off the recording.
Which statement about disposable EKG electrodes is correct?
Answer: They contain a conductive gel that maintains good skin contact
Disposable EKG electrodes contain a conductive gel that reduces skin-electrode impedance and ensures good electrical contact for accurate signal acquisition.