Recording an ECG Flashcards
What calming words do you need to hit your patient with during the opening of the consultation?
“I need to perform an ECH, which is an electrical trace of your heart.
It involves placing sticky pads on your chest and limbs; and attaching leads to these.
I have a chaperone in the room with us for your comfort.
This doesn’t involve any electricity, you won’t get an electric shock.”
What equipment do you need?
ECG machine (duh)
Adhesive pads
Razor (for the hairy bastards)
What position do you need the patient in?
laid at 45degrees
chest, wrists and ankles exposed
What do you do is they’re hairy, oily or dirty?
Hairy - shave
Oily - alcowipe
Dirty - soap and water wash
Where does V1 go?
right sternal edge
4th intercostal space
Where does V2 go?
left sternal edge
4th intercostal space
Where does V3 go?
midway between V2 and V4
Where does V4 go?
left mid-clavicular line
5th intercostal space
Where does V5 go?
left anterior axillary line
level with V4
Where does V6 go?
left mid-axillary line
level with V4 and V5
What do you put the limb adhesive pads on?
distal bony prominence
Where does the red lead go?
right arm
Where does the yellow lead go?
left arm
Where does the green lead go?
left leg
Where does the black lead go?
right leg (its the boring earth one)
