EKG + Cardio Flashcards
What should you do if you perform an EKG and it appears to be abnormal?
Keep the electrodes on and call for the Dr.
Where should electrodes be placed on the legs?
Just above the ankle
What should patients not do while obtaining an EKG?
No talking
What needs to be done before placing electrodes on the skin?
Clean skin with alcohol
In what direction should the tabs be placed for the arms during an EKG?
Downward to prevent pulling of the leads
What position should the patient be in when obtaining a 12 lead EKG?
Supine
What is the normal standardization mark on an EKG?
10mm/mV
What is the last thing you should check to ensure the EKG tracing is clear?
Double check electrode placement
What test does not require a license?
Holter monitor
What cardiac procedure is within the MA’s scope of practice?
Holter monitor placement
What is the correct location for the placement of lead 4?
5th intercostal space midclavicular
What directions do the tabs need to be facing when performing an EKG?
Down
What are the correct locations for V leads?
- V1: Right side of the sternum at the 4th intercostal space
- V2: Left side of the sternum at the 4th intercostal space
- V3: Left side of the chest between V2 and V4
- V4: Left side of the chest 5th intercostal space midclavicular line
- V5: Left side of the chest 5th intercostal space between V4 and V6
- V6: Left side of the chest 5th intercostal space midaxillary line
What should be done if a lead is not correctly placed or is missing?
It will cause an interrupted baseline meaning the EKG tracing will move to the margins of the paper
What causes a wandering baseline in EKG?
Poor connection, shifts from the baseline of the paper
What can cause AC interference during an EKG?
Cell phone use
How do you obtain a heart rate from an EKG?
Divide 1500 by the number of small boxes between 2 R waves
What is the normal PR interval time?
0.12 - 0.20
What is the color of the ground lead?
Green lead
What does the P wave represent?
Atrial depolarization
What does the QRS complex represent?
Ventricular depolarization
What does the T wave represent?
Ventricular repolarization
What is the heart’s primary pacemaker?
SA Node
What does the AV Node do?
Sends signals to contract the ventricles
What should be done with the patient’s skin prior to placing leads for Holter Monitoring?
Dry skin prior to placing leads
What should patients record while wearing a Holter monitor?
Feelings/symptoms into their notes
What does the Holter monitor do?
Continuously records the electrical activity of the heart
What should you avoid while wearing a Holter monitor?
Caffeine
