Question

In which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the electrodes for leads V7, V8, and V9?

a) On the right upper chest
b) On the left midclavicular line
c) On the anterior axillary line
d) On the posterior axillary line

Answer 1

Electrodes for leads V7, V8, and V9 should be placed on the posterior axillary line to obtain detailed cardiac information not visible on the standard 12-lead ECG.

Step-by-step explanation:

An EKG technician should place the electrodes for leads V7, V8, and V9 on the posterior axillary line. This positioning is not part of the standard 12-lead ECG that typically has six electrodes on the chest and four on the limbs, but is sometimes used in more detailed cardiac examinations to gain additional information about the heart's electrical activity, especially for the detection of posterior myocardial infarction.

For clarity: Lead V7 should be positioned at the posterior axillary line on the same horizontal level as V6, lead V8 at the tip of the scapula, and lead V9 at the left paravertebral margin. These additional leads are used when there is a suspicion of pathology that may not be visible on the standard 12-lead ECG. Proper placement is crucial for obtaining accurate readings that may indicate the presence of cardiac conditions such as ischemia or infarct.