Module 13: EKG and Cardiovascular Testing Flashcards
CMA role in cardiovascular testing
- preparing pt
- providing post-procedure assistance
- accurately and efficiently performing test
- noting obvious abnormalities
- maintaining equipment
- preparing testing materials for provider interpretation
how to prepare pt for EKG
- identify pt
- explain procedure
- disrobing, owning, draping
- clean skin and clip hair if needed
does an EKG shock you with electricity
- no
- records electrical activity of the heart
how to disrobe/drape/gown pt
- pt undressed from waist up
- no pantyhose or tights
- drape with opening in the front
- provide additional cover after leads are placed
- remove jewelry and electronic devices
artifacts
unwanted external event occurring in an EKG tracing not associated with the heart function
multichannel EKG machine
- monitors all 12 leads at once
- can record 3, 4, or 6 at a time
three-channel EKG unit
- typically in ambulatory care setting
- records 3 leads at once
single-channel EKG machine
- records one lead at a time
- produces running strip
telemetry
- computer-based monitoring
- conducted in hospital setting
- pt constantly monitored
- emergency equipment available
how many electrodes are placed
10
how many angles and planes are recorded
12
what conducts impulses on electrodes
electrolyte gel
vertical axis on EKG
- gain or amplitude
- small square represents 0.1 mv
- large squares include 5 small squares and represent 0.5 mv
horizontal axis on EKG
- time
- small square represents 0.04 seconds
- large squares include 5 small squares and represent 0.2 seconds
what speed should paper run at
25 mm/sec
normal amplitude
10 mm or 1 mv
how are waveforms put on paper
burned onto paper via heat and pressure-sensitive stylus
how to clean pt skin
- instruct pt to avoid applying any substance to skin
- clean using alcohol or soap and water
- clip or shave hair if needed
where should limb electrodes be placed
- fleshy areas
- within same general vicinity on each limb
where do the first six recorded leads originate from
arms and legs
bipolar
recording of electrical current involving both a positive and negative pole
unipolar
- recording from one location or one pole
- must be augmented (assistance in tracing by drawing from other poles)
what would you note on tracing if leads were placed improperly
complexes would be negatively deflected
how to position pt if experiencing dyspnea
semi-fowler’s
universal standardization mark
- 10 mm high, 1 mv
- 5 mm wide
what to do if QRS complex is too large and goes off paper
- reduce standardization to 0.5
- 5 mm high and 5 mm wide
what to do if P waves are absent
- change standardization speed to 50 mm/sec
somatic tremor
- irregular spikes throughout the tracing
- related to muscle movement (shivering, Parkinson’s disease)
how to eliminate somatic tremor
- decrease pt anxiety
- provide warmth and comfort as needed
- pt lay on hands to reduce movement
AC interference
- aka 60-cycle interference
- regular spikes in the tracing
- poor grounding or electrical activity (lights, computers, crossed lead wires)