Electrocardiogram (ECG) Basics Exam 2

Question 1

Electrocardiography

Answer 1

-Diagnostic procedure that graphically records the conduction, magnitude, & duration of the electric current generated by the heart
-Electrical current radiate from the heart to surrounding tissue to the skin
-ECG & EKG are interchangeable

Question 2

__ Leads Are Created By __ Electrodes

Answer 2

12, 10

Question 3

Information that can be Determined from ECG

Answer 3

-Heart Rate
-Arrhythmias
-Axis Deviation
-Conduction Abnormalities
-Presence of ischemia or injury
-Influence of medications

Question 4

Ischemia

Answer 4

Reduced blood flow

Question 5

ST Segment Abnormalities

Answer 5

Clinically significant ST segment changes in at least 3 continuous cardiac cycles

Question 6

Most indication of Myocardial Ischemia

Answer 6

ST Segment Depression

Question 7

Types of ST Segment Depression

Answer 7

Horizontal, Downsloping, & Upsloping

Question 8

ST Segment Depression Severity

Answer 8

-Mild=1mm
-Moderate=2mm
-Severe=3+mm

Question 9

Patient Placement for ECG Prep

Answer 9

-Supine Position
-Arms by side and shoulders relaxed
-Legs not crossed

Question 10

Skin Prep for ECG

Answer 10

-Avoid lotions & creams day of
-Remove hair by shaving
-Dry skin
-Remove dead skin cells by red dot tape or hand towel
-Clean skin W/alcohol prep pad

Question 11

Electrode Application

Answer 11

-Check electrodes to make sure gel is moist
-Avoid placing electrodes over bones & locations with lots of tissue movement
-Make sure electrode adhered to skin well

Question 12

ECG Artifact

Answer 12

-Heart’s electrical current is very small
-Not uncommon for interference in ECG (messes w/ accuracy)