Final Answer:
In an ECG, a negative waveform in Lead 1 suggests an issue with the Right arm (RA) electrode connection. Therefore, the technician should inspect the cable connections related to the Right arm for resolution. Thus, the correct answer is option A.
Explanation:
Lead 1 in an electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity between the Right arm (RA) and Left arm (LA) electrodes. A negative waveform in Lead 1 suggests an issue with the connection involving the RA electrode. Lead 1 specifically records the electrical activity between the LA and RA electrodes, with the LA serving as the positive electrode and the RA as the negative electrode. Therefore, when all waveforms are negative in Lead 1, the issue likely resides in the connection related to the RA electrode (option A).
In Lead 1, the orientation of the electrodes plays a crucial role. The positive terminal is placed on the Left arm (LA), and the negative terminal is on the Right arm (RA). When both terminals are correctly placed, Lead 1 should display a waveform with positive deflection. If the Lead 1 waveform is negative, it indicates a problem with the RA electrode connection, which could disrupt the electrical conduction path between the arms. Hence, the technician should inspect the cable connections associated with the Right arm electrode to rectify the issue and ensure accurate ECG recordings.
Identifying and troubleshooting electrode connection issues are critical in obtaining accurate ECG readings. The placement and connections of limb electrodes directly impact the interpretation of Lead 1 and other leads in an ECG. In this scenario, focusing on the Right arm electrode connection is necessary to resolve the absence of positive waveforms in Lead 1, ensuring proper cardiac monitoring and diagnosis for the patient. Therefore, checking the cable connections for the Right arm electrode is the appropriate course of action.