Final answer:
Possible causes of a white QRS complex on an EKG strip include electrical interference, muscle tremors, inadequate electrode contact, and lead reversal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The white QRS complex on the patient's EKG strip could be caused by several different factors, including electrical interference, muscle tremors, inadequate electrode contact, and lead reversal. Each of these factors can create artifacts on the EKG strip that can affect the accuracy of the recorded electrical activity of the heart.
Electrical interference can occur due to external sources such as nearby electrical equipment or faulty grounding. Muscle tremors can also create artifacts, especially if the patient is moving during the EKG measurement. Inadequate electrode contact can result from loose or poorly attached electrodes, which can lead to abnormal signals. Lead reversal can occur when the electrodes are placed incorrectly on the patient's body, causing the recorded electrical activity to be reversed.
It is important for medical assistants and other healthcare professionals to check for these possible causes of artifacts and ensure proper electrode placement and patient cooperation to obtain an accurate EKG reading.