EKG Patient Preparation & Clinical Procedures 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 Patient Preparation & Clinical Procedures flashcards as text
Before placing EKG electrodes, a technician should prepare the skin by:
Answer: Lightly abrading and cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe
Cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe and lightly abrading it removes oils, dead skin cells, and moisture that increase electrode impedance.
What position should a patient be in when a resting 12-lead EKG is performed?
Answer: Supine (lying flat) with arms at the sides
The patient should be supine with arms relaxed at the sides to standardize electrode position, minimize muscle artifact, and ensure reproducible results.
When obtaining informed consent for a routine EKG, a technician should explain that the procedure:
Answer: Only records the heart's electrical activity and poses no electrical risk to the patient
A standard EKG is a passive recording of the heart's own electrical activity; no electricity is delivered to the patient and there is no risk of shock.
Which of the following patient conditions requires the EKG technician to document a modified electrode placement?
Answer: Amputation of a limb
If a limb is amputated, the electrode must be placed on the stump or the closest available site, and the modification must be clearly documented on the tracing.
How should a technician handle a patient who is extremely anxious about the EKG procedure?
Answer: Explain the procedure calmly, reassure the patient it is painless, and answer questions
Calm explanation and reassurance reduce patient anxiety, promote cooperation, and decrease the likelihood of somatic tremor artifact from tensed muscles.
What should be documented on every EKG tracing before it is submitted for physician interpretation?
Answer: Patient name, date of birth, date and time of recording, and technician ID
Accurate patient identification and recording metadata (name, DOB, date, time, technician ID) are required for legal, clinical, and tracking purposes.