Artifact Cause and Effect Flashcards

Study Notes

AC Interference / 60 Cycle Interference

Caused by electrical interference when lead wires do not follow the body's contour.
Ensure proper lead placement to minimize interference.

Fixing AC Interference

Check and adjust lead wires; they should conform to the body's shape.
Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment in the vicinity.
Position the patient away from walls to reduce interference risks.
Ensure all equipment is properly grounded for safety.

Muscle Artifact

Occurs due to voluntary or involuntary muscle movements during monitoring.
Patient movement can disrupt accurate readings, leading to muscle artifacts.

Fixing Muscle Artifact

Aim to reduce patient anxiety to promote relaxation.
Encourage patients to lie still to minimize movement.
For individuals with muscle disorders, suggest placing their hands under their buttocks for stability.

Wandering Baseline

Results from loose electrodes, dried-out electrolytes, body creams or lotions, and excessive chest wall movement during respiration.
Each element can contribute to fluctuations in the baseline signal.

Fixing Wandering Baseline

Ensure all electrodes are securely attached to the skin.
Replace any electrodes that are not functioning properly or have dried electrolytes.
Clean off any lotions or creams using rubbing alcohol before electrode application.
Encourage calming techniques to help the patient relax and regulate their breathing.

Interrupted Baseline

Caused by the metal tip of lead wires becoming detached, frayed, or due to broken cables.
Each of these issues can lead to a loss of signal and unreliable data.

Fixing Interrupted Baseline

Reattach any loose leads or cables promptly to restore signal integrity.
If the issue persists, order a replacement cable to ensure accurate readings.

Description

This quiz focuses on the causes and solutions to artifacts in electrical measurements, particularly AC interference and muscle artifacts. Each flashcard provides a definition of the causes and effective fixes to these issues, useful for students and professionals in the field of electronics and health diagnostics.