Final answer:
The artifact was likely caused by electrical interference from other equipment. An EKG records the heart's electrical activity using leads, and artifacts can be reduced by addressing interference issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EKG technician eliminated an artifact on a 3-lead EKG tracing by plugging the machine into a different outlet. The artifact in question was most likely caused by electrical interference from other equipment. When EKG recordings are affected by external electrical noise, it can result in artifacts that obscure the true heart signal. These artifacts can often be reduced by measures such as repositioning the EKG machine, changing the surrounding environment, or, as in this scenario, plugging the machine into a different electrical outlet to avoid interference from other devices on the same circuit.
The careful placement of surface electrodes is crucial for recording the electrical activity of the heart reliably. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) uses leads that give a depiction of the heart's function by measuring the voltages created by the wave of depolarization and subsequent repolarization. Standard ECGs typically use 12 leads, though a 3-lead ECG is sometimes used for basic monitoring. Any changes in the ECG compared to previous ones can indicate subtle damage or conditions such as infarcts.
Apart from electrical interference, other potential sources of artifacts include incorrect lead placement, the drying out of electrode gel, and the patient's movement during the procedure. Understanding and identifying these artifacts are important for EKG technicians to ensure accurate readings.