NTA Telemetry Equipment and Technology Flashcards

What is the standard ECG paper speed used in the United States?

Answer: 25 mm/sec

The standard ECG paper speed in the US is 25 mm/second, where each small square represents 0.04 seconds.

What is the primary function of a telemetry transmitter?

Answer: Wirelessly transmits cardiac signals to a central monitor

A telemetry transmitter wirelessly sends the patient's cardiac electrical signals to a central monitoring station for continuous surveillance.

In MCL1 electrode placement, where is the positive electrode positioned?

Answer: 4th intercostal space, right sternal border (V1 position)

MCL1 uses the positive electrode at the V1 position (4th intercostal space, right sternal border) and the negative electrode at the left shoulder.

Why must telemetry transmitter batteries be checked and replaced regularly?

Answer: To ensure continuous, uninterrupted cardiac signal transmission

Dead or weak batteries cause signal loss, leaving the patient unmonitored; regular battery replacement prevents this safety risk.

What is the most common cause of 60-cycle interference artifact on a telemetry strip?

Answer: Electrical interference from nearby equipment and/or loose lead connections

60-cycle (AC) interference appears as a thick, fuzzy baseline and is caused by nearby electrical equipment or poor electrode/lead wire contact.

What is the primary role of the central monitoring station in a telemetry unit?

Answer: Receives and displays cardiac rhythms from multiple patients simultaneously

The central monitoring station aggregates and displays rhythm data from multiple patients at once, enabling continuous surveillance by telemetry staff.