Question

An EKG technician is preparing to perform a 12-lead EKG for a patient who has dextrocardia. Which of the following locations should the technician place the electrode for V1?

a) Second intercostal space, right sternal border
b) Fourth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
c) Fourth intercostal space, right sternal border
d) Fifth intercostal space, midaxillary line

Answer 1

For a patient with dextrocardia, the V1 electrode in a 12-lead EKG should be placed at the fourth intercostal space, right sternal border, reflecting the heart's mirrored position.

Step-by-step explanation:

An EKG technician preparing to perform a 12-lead EKG on a patient with dextrocardia should place the electrode for V1 at the fourth intercostal space, right sternal border. In standard EKG practice, the V1 location is typically on the right sternal border at the fourth intercostal space; however, since dextrocardia involves the heart being mirrored in the chest, the electrode placements should be mirrored as well. Therefore, even with dextrocardia, the V1 electrode would still be placed in a location analogous to its standard position on the right side of the sternum.