Performing a Standard Resting ECG (AES)

How many small squares are in a large square on ECG tracing paper?

25

What is the normal paper speed for an ECG tracing?

25 mm per second

What type of ECG artifact is caused by another piece of electrical equipment or wires?

AC interference

Why are the size and pattern of the graph lines on all ECG tracings standard?

Any physician can read a tracing the same way.

Which of the following occurs first in the 12-Lead ECG procedure?

Attach the lead wires.

A patient seems nervous and tense about having an ECG done. What should the assistant do in this case?

Explain the procedure to the patient and reassure her that it is not used alone to make a diagnosis.

How should the heat of the stylus be adjusted if the line on the ECG tracing is too light?

Increased

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the health assistant?

Interpret the ECG printout.

What type of ECG artifact occurs when the connections for the ECG are broken or not secure?

Interrupted baseline

If ECG artifacts are seen on Leads I and III, what is the likely source of interference?

Left arm electrode

If ECG artifacts are seen on Leads II and III, what is the likely source of interference?

Left leg electrode

The assistant sees an interrupted baseline on an ECG tracing. Which of the following would be an appropriate response?

Make sure the lead wires are attached to the electrodes.

The assistant notices AC interference on an ECG tracing. Which of the following would be an appropriate response?

Make sure there are no power cords near the patient.

Which type of ECG machine requires the assistant to turn a control knob to switch leads?

Manual

What is the holder that forms a permanent record of the ECG for the patient's file called?

Mount

If ECG artifacts are seen on Leads I and II, what is the likely source of interference?

Right arm electrode

Which type of ECG machine produces a tracing that must be cut prior to being mounted?

Single-channel

What type of ECG artifact is caused by muscle movement, such as shivering?

Somatic Tremor

What is an artifact?

Something that creates interference on an ECG

When should the stylus move up on the paper 10 small squares and remain at that level for 2 small squares?

Standard calibration

What do the vertical lines on the graph measure?

Strength of the impulse

How does the line get onto the tracing paper in an ECG?

The heat from a stylus melts the coating of the paper.

What type of ECG artifact occurs when the stylus shifts from the center of the tracing paper?

Wandering baseline