Final answer:
The first step in preparing a patient for an EKG is the careful placement of electrodes on the body after ensuring the skin is clean and dry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in preparing a patient for an electrocardiogram (EKG) involves the careful placement of surface electrodes on the body. This step is crucial as it allows the recording of the heart's electrical signals. Initially, the patient's skin where the electrodes are to be placed should be clean, dry, and, if necessary, shaved to ensure good contact between the electrodes and the skin. The precise positioning of the electrodes is important for accurate results, and typically 10 electrodes are used for a 12-lead ECG, which provides a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity.