Artifact Cause and Effect Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What causes AC interference / 60 cycle interference?

Incorrect placement of electrodes

Lead wires following the contour of the body

Lead wires not following the contour of the body (correct)

Electrical interference (correct)

How can you fix AC interference / 60 cycle interference?

Check lead wires, follow contour of body, unplug all other electric equipment, move patient away from walls, make sure it is grounded.

What causes muscle artifact?

Equipment malfunction

Patient movement (correct)

Loose electrodes

Incorrect electrode placement

How can you fix muscle artifact?

Reduce patient apprehension, make the patient comfortable, ensure the patient lies still, and for muscle disorders, have them place their hands under their butt. Signup and view all the answers

What causes a wandering baseline?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How can you fix a wandering baseline?

Ensure all electrodes are attached, replace electrodes, remove lotions with rubbing alcohol, encourage the patient to relax and breathe more calmly. Signup and view all the answers

What causes an interrupted baseline?

A and B Signup and view all the answers

How can you fix an interrupted baseline?

Reattach the lead or cable, and/or order a new cable. Signup and view all the answers

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.