Final answer:
An interrupted baseline on a 12 lead EKG is most likely due to improper grounding. Accurate grounding is essential for EKGs to correctly diagnose heart conditions like infarcts and arrhythmias.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an EKG tech notices an interrupted baseline on a 12 lead EKG tracing, this artifact is most likely caused by improper grounding. Improper grounding can disrupt the electrical signals being measured, leading to artifacts in the EKG recording. An interrupted baseline might also be caused by poor electrode contact with the skin, which can be due to improper skin prep, but grounding issues are a common source of this specific artifact. It is crucial to ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and that grounding is correctly established to obtain an accurate ECG reading, as it provides a crucial insight into heart health and potential abnormalities such as infarcts or arrhythmias.