Question

An EKG technician is caring for a patient who is admitted to an inpatient facility for chest pain. Which of the following actions should the technician take when performing a series of EKG readings for this patient? a. Replace the electrodes between each reading b. Apply conductive gel to electrodes before application c. Apply silver electrodes that can be checked daily d. Rotate electrode positioning daily to reduce skin irritation

Answer 1

For multiple EKG readings, rotating electrode positioning daily is crucial to reduce skin irritation. Standard electrode placement and using conductive gel ensure accurate readings. Conductivity and stability can be enhanced with silver electrodes.

Step-by-step explanation:

An EKG technician dealing with a patient admitted to an inpatient facility for chest pain might perform a series of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) tests. When performing these tests, the technician should prioritize patient comfort and accurate results. Among the suggested actions, rotating electrode positioning daily to reduce skin irritation is an appropriate measure, particularly in the context of multiple EKG readings over several days. It is important to maintain the integrity of the skin and prevent unnecessary discomfort or skin breakdown. The electrodes should be placed in standard locations as specified by the 12-lead ECG guidelines.

These standard placements involve six electrodes on the chest and four on the limbs. Moreover, comparing a recent EKG to an older one can detect subtle changes due to gradual damage to the heart, highlighting the importance of consistent electrode placement for accurate comparative analysis. Replacing the electrodes and applying conductive gel are standard practices for each individual EKG to ensure the best quality of the reading, while using silver electrodes can provide good conductivity and stability.

Answer 2

To perform a series of EKG readings for a patient with chest pain, the technician should replace the electrodes between each reading, apply conductive gel to the electrodes, and rotate electrode positioning daily to reduce skin irritation.

When performing a series of EKG readings for a patient admitted to an inpatient facility for chest pain, the EKG technician should take the following actions:

1. Replace the electrodes between each reading to ensure accurate results and prevent contamination.
2. Apply conductive gel to the electrodes before application to improve the contact between the electrodes and the skin, enhancing the quality of the EKG readings.
3. Rotate electrode positioning daily to reduce skin irritation and prevent pressure sores.