Final answer:
To decrease electrical interference in an EKG, the ground lead should be placed on the right leg. Correct placement of the ground and other electrodes is essential for accurate cardiac function monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce interference in an EKG (electrocardiogram), the placement of the ground lead is crucial. The ground lead, often labeled as the 'RL' lead, should be connected to the right leg for optimal results. This location for the ground lead helps to decrease electrical interference that may distort the EKG signal, ensuring a clearer depiction of the heart's electrical activity. In a 12-lead ECG, four of the electrodes are placed on the limbs: RA (right arm), LA (left arm), RL (right leg), and LL (left leg), with the remaining six on the chest. When these electrodes, including the ground lead on the right leg, are located correctly, they provide a detailed picture of the heart's function and allow for precise cardiac monitoring.
A medical assistant would place the ground lead of an EKG on the right leg to decrease interference. The ground lead acts as a reference point to establish a baseline for the electrical signals from the heart. By placing the ground lead on the right leg, it helps minimize artifact and unwanted electrical activity that may interfere with the accuracy of the EKG recording.