Free NCMA EKG/ECG Lead Placement and Artifacts Questions and Answers

Question 1

Where is the V4 precordial electrode placed for a standard 12-lead EKG?

Accepted Answer

Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line

Answer

Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border

Answer

Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line

Answer

Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border

Question 2

An EKG tracing shows a fuzzy, irregular baseline with erratic spikes. This is most likely caused by which type of artifact?

Accepted Answer

Somatic Tremor

Answer

AC Interference

Answer

Wandering Baseline

Answer

Interrupted Baseline

Question 3

On an EKG, what does the P wave represent?

Accepted Answer

Atrial depolarization

Answer

Ventricular depolarization

Answer

Ventricular repolarization

Answer

Atrial repolarization

Question 4

A wandering baseline artifact on an EKG is often caused by:

Accepted Answer

Poor electrode contact or patient breathing

Answer

Patient shivering

Answer

Improper grounding of the EKG machine

Answer

Nearby electrical equipment

Question 5

Which limb electrode is considered the ground lead in a standard 12-lead EKG?

Accepted Answer

Right Leg (RL)

Answer

Right Arm (RA)

Answer

Left Arm (LA)

Answer

Left Leg (LL)

Question 6

AC interference on an EKG tracing appears as:

Accepted Answer

A series of small, uniform spikes creating a thick, fuzzy line

Answer

A slow, wandering up-and-down line

Answer

A flat line where the tracing should be

Answer

Large, erratic spikes caused by muscle movement