Final answer:
The short red lead of the chest leads in a 12-lead ECG should be placed on the left arm. The right ventricle sends blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The heart is centrally located, tilting to the left.
Step-by-step explanation:
Correct Placement of ECG Leads and the Function of the Right Ventricle
The short red lead of the chest leads in a 12-lead ECG should be placed on the left arm. This is part of the standard procedure for ECG lead placement where six electrodes are placed on the chest, and four electrodes are positioned on the limbs. Additionally, the right ventricle of the heart sends blood to the lungs for oxygenation. It is a common misconception that the heart is on the left side of the chest, but it is actually more centrally located, tilting towards the left. In the pulmonary circuit, the right side of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body in the systemic circuit.