EKG Acquisition

Question 1

The machine used to record the EKG

Answer 1

electrocardiograph

Question 2

The change of the electrical charge from negative to positive

Answer 2

depolarization

Question 3

The machine used to visualize the mechanical function of the heart

Answer 3

echocardiogram

Question 4

One end is attached to the EKG machine and the other is attached to an electrode

Answer 4

lead wires

Question 5

The American Heart Association established the color-coded lead standards in the US.

Answer 5

TRUE

Question 6

This is measured on the horizontal line of the rhythm strip

Answer 6

time

Question 7

Lead measurement of the electrical activity of the heart

Answer 7

TRUE

Question 8

Single positive electrode and a neutral reference point

Answer 8

unipolar lead

Question 9

These bipolar leads measure the voltage in both directions between positive and negative poles

Answer 9

Limb leads, 1-3

Question 10

The neutral point at the center of Einthoven’s triangle

Answer 10

Wilson’s center terminal

Question 11

Why might the provider ask for the speed to be increased from 25 mm/s to 50 mm/s

Answer 11

With a rapid heart rate it is difficult to see P waves; therefore, changing to 50 mm/s elongates the waves to allow you to see features you may have missed

Question 12

What is the main responsibility of the EKG technician

Answer 12

• place electrodes
• conduct ekg test and create accurate tracing
• knowing the names of different leads + groups, unipolar vs bipolar
• basic understanding of areas examined by leads

Question 13

Do not place electrodes on skin over infections, irritated skin or body parts where there is lost of possible muscle movement

Answer 13

TRUE

Question 14

Hair is a conductive material that can assist in the adhesion of the electrode

Answer 14

FALSE

Question 15

Clipping hair could cause skin irritation and should be avoided

Answer 15

FALSE

Question 16

The white electrode should be place anywhere between the right shoulder and right elbow.

Answer 16

TRUE

Question 17

If you put an electrode on the left wrist, you should put the other on the left upper arm

Answer 17

FALSE

Question 18

The 3-lead was the OG EKG using just bipolar leads for the recording

Answer 18

TRUE

Question 19

In addition to the 3 electrodes placed in the 3-lead, you’ll add the electrodes at the right leg and sternum for the 5-lead

Answer 19

TRUE

Question 20

The 12-lead uses 12 electrodes for the recording

Answer 20

FALSE; 10

Question 21

The Holter monitoring transmits the recording to a central monitoring station

Answer 21

FALSE

Question 22

With an event monitor, the patient presses a button to indicate they are experiencing symptoms

Answer 22

TRUE

Question 23

Describe the position the patient should be in for continuous monitoring and EKG testing.

Answer 23

• Patient should be in supine (flat on back with pillow under head) or semi-fowler’s position (flat on back, elevating head of bed to 30 to 45 degrees), arms to the side with shoulders relaxed
• THOSE THAT DO NOT FIT = cross arms on stomach
• Legs must be uncrossed during testing

Question 24

What instructions might you provide the patient PRIOR to the stress test?

Answer 24

• NO caffeine 24 hours before
• Follow instruction on regular medications 24 hours before
• NO food/liquid (except water) 3 hours before
• DIABETICS = consult doctor
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with rubber soled or athletic shoes
• Bring ALL medications with you the day of test

Question 25

EKG is a proper acronym for electrocardiogram and can be used when referring to the graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart

Answer 25

TRUE

Question 26

Patients should be in the prone position for most testing

Answer 26

FALSE

Question 27

The gain control changes the sensitivity of the machine

Answer 27

TRUE

Question 28

Signals are transmitted from the electrodes, through the leads, to the EKG machine

Answer 28

FALSE

Question 29

If you put an electrode on the left wrist, you should not put the other on the left upper arm

Answer 29

TRUE

Question 30

Autoclaves should be used to clean the lead wires

Answer 30

FALSE

Question 31

If your electrode is dried out, spray distilled water PRIOR to applying to patient

Answer 31

FALSE

Question 32

The chest leads are unipolar, measuring against a neutral reference point

Answer 32

TRUE

Question 33

EKG tracing paper is standardized to allow for consistency in analyzing rhythm strips

Answer 33

TRUE

Question 34

You should set the gain to 10 mm/mV UNLESS directed by provider

Answer 34

TRUE

Question 35

Circular pads may be used on patients with excessive sweating

Answer 35

TRUEA

Question 36

Augmented limb leads consist of a single positive electrode with a neutral reference point

Answer 36

TRUE

Question 37

Einthoven's Triangle is an isosceles triangle with the heart at the center

Answer 37

FALSE

Question 38

The limb leads could have individual colors or will all be brown

Answer 38

FALSE

Question 39

The EKG tech's main responsibility is to place the electrodes, conduct the EKG test and create an accurate tracing

Answer 39

TRUEC