Question

The nurse prepares to apply ECG electrodes to a male client who requires continuous cardiac monitoring. Which action should the nurse complete to optimize skin adherence and conduction of the heart's electrical current?

A) Apply the electrodes over body hair to improve adherence.
B) Clean the skin with soap and water, and ensure it is dry before applying the electrodes.
C) Avoid using any conductive gel or paste with the electrodes.
D) Apply the electrodes to areas with visible skin irritation.

Answer 1

To optimize ECG electrode adherence and electrical signal conduction, the skin should be cleaned with soap and water and thoroughly dried before electrode application.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should optimize skin adherence and conduction of the heart's electrical current for ECG (electrocardiogram) electrodes by cleaning the skin with soap and water, ensuring the skin is dry before applying the electrodes. It is critical that the skin is free from oils, dirt, and moisture to reduce resistance, allowing for a better signal. Furthermore, conductive gels or pastes are often used to decrease skin resistance and enhance the quality of the signal from the heart's electrical activity.