Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following EKG machine functions should an EKG technician use to control and regulate the height of EKG waveforms on the tracing?
Which of the following EKG machine functions should an EKG technician use to control and regulate the height of EKG waveforms on the tracing?
Which of the following methods should a EKG technician use when removing hair from electrode placement sites for telemetry monitoring?
Which of the following methods should a EKG technician use when removing hair from electrode placement sites for telemetry monitoring?
An EKG technician notes periods of sinus arrest on a patient's EKG tracing. The technician should consider the sinus arrest to be a medical emergency when the arrest reaches which of the following durations?
An EKG technician notes periods of sinus arrest on a patient's EKG tracing. The technician should consider the sinus arrest to be a medical emergency when the arrest reaches which of the following durations?
Which of the following lead groups are bipolar leads?
Which of the following lead groups are bipolar leads?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is performing a second standard 12-lead EKG on a patient immediately following the first test. For which of the following reasons should the technician recognize that resting tab electrodes should not be used for more than two consecutive EKG tracings?
An EKG technician is performing a second standard 12-lead EKG on a patient immediately following the first test. For which of the following reasons should the technician recognize that resting tab electrodes should not be used for more than two consecutive EKG tracings?
Signup and view all the answers
In which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the electrode for lead V5?
In which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the electrode for lead V5?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is working with a patient who has a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg. In which of the following locations should the technician place the right leg electrode?
An EKG technician is working with a patient who has a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg. In which of the following locations should the technician place the right leg electrode?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following methods should an EKG technician use to store electrodes when not in use?
Which of the following methods should an EKG technician use to store electrodes when not in use?
Signup and view all the answers
A serial EKG tracing shows a rhythm that does not match the last tracing that the EKG technician performed. Which of the following actions should the technician take first?
A serial EKG tracing shows a rhythm that does not match the last tracing that the EKG technician performed. Which of the following actions should the technician take first?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements made by an EKG technician correctly prepares the patient for telemetry monitoring?
Which of the following statements made by an EKG technician correctly prepares the patient for telemetry monitoring?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient who is 4 years old. In which of the following locations should the technician place the V6 electrodes?
An EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient who is 4 years old. In which of the following locations should the technician place the V6 electrodes?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sections of the EKG tracing should an EKG technician use to measure the QRS complex?
Which of the following sections of the EKG tracing should an EKG technician use to measure the QRS complex?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician observes varying R-R intervals on an EKG for a 2-year-old patient. Which of the following statements made by the technician would be correct?
An EKG technician observes varying R-R intervals on an EKG for a 2-year-old patient. Which of the following statements made by the technician would be correct?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is recording a patient's radial pulse rate and finds the pulse to be irregular. The provider then takes the patient's apical pulse. The technician should recognize that which of the following locations is used for this assessment?
An EKG technician is recording a patient's radial pulse rate and finds the pulse to be irregular. The provider then takes the patient's apical pulse. The technician should recognize that which of the following locations is used for this assessment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a complete cardiac cycle in a healthy heart?
Which of the following describes a complete cardiac cycle in a healthy heart?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is preparing to perform an EKG for a patient who does not speak the same language as the technician. Which of the following actions should the technician take to avoid miscommunication with the patient?
An EKG technician is preparing to perform an EKG for a patient who does not speak the same language as the technician. Which of the following actions should the technician take to avoid miscommunication with the patient?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is instructing a patient about the use of a transtelephonic monitor with loop memory. Which of the following instructions should the technician include?
An EKG technician is instructing a patient about the use of a transtelephonic monitor with loop memory. Which of the following instructions should the technician include?
Signup and view all the answers
In a healthy adult patient, which of the following is the expected shape and direction of the P wave in lead II?
In a healthy adult patient, which of the following is the expected shape and direction of the P wave in lead II?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following responses should an EKG technician make to a patient in an outpatient clinic who is upset that the technician cannot share the results of the tracing?
Which of the following responses should an EKG technician make to a patient in an outpatient clinic who is upset that the technician cannot share the results of the tracing?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is preparing a patient for a scheduled standard 12-lead EKG. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
An EKG technician is preparing a patient for a scheduled standard 12-lead EKG. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following factors can produce an artifact that appears as uniform, small spikes on an EKG tracing?
Which of the following factors can produce an artifact that appears as uniform, small spikes on an EKG tracing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following pulse points is most frequently used to check an adult patient's pulse during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
Which of the following pulse points is most frequently used to check an adult patient's pulse during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is caring for a patient in a provider's clinic who asks why the technician performs a standard 12-lead EKG as part of the physical examination. Which of the following responses should the technician make?
An EKG technician is caring for a patient in a provider's clinic who asks why the technician performs a standard 12-lead EKG as part of the physical examination. Which of the following responses should the technician make?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is monitoring a patient who is undergoing an exercise stress test. Which of the following findings should indicate to the technician that the patient is experiencing an adverse reaction?
An EKG technician is monitoring a patient who is undergoing an exercise stress test. Which of the following findings should indicate to the technician that the patient is experiencing an adverse reaction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following positions is appropriate for a patient during a nuclear stress test while the camera is scanning?
Which of the following positions is appropriate for a patient during a nuclear stress test while the camera is scanning?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements should an EKG technician include when preparing a patient for an upcoming exercise stress test?
Which of the following statements should an EKG technician include when preparing a patient for an upcoming exercise stress test?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following patient findings indicates myocardial infarction?
Which of the following patient findings indicates myocardial infarction?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing an EKG on an infant, in which of the following locations should the EKG technician place the electrode for lead V3R?
When performing an EKG on an infant, in which of the following locations should the EKG technician place the electrode for lead V3R?
Signup and view all the answers
When placing electrodes on the patient for telemetry, in which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the ground electrode?
When placing electrodes on the patient for telemetry, in which of the following locations should an EKG technician place the ground electrode?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following actions should an EKG technician take when performing a series of EKG readings for a patient with chest pain?
Which of the following actions should an EKG technician take when performing a series of EKG readings for a patient with chest pain?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is called to the emergency department to perform a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient. When the technician arrives, the patient is attached to a 5-lead monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
An EKG technician is called to the emergency department to perform a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient. When the technician arrives, the patient is attached to a 5-lead monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
Signup and view all the answers
When a patient wearing a Holter monitor reports severe chest pain and shortness of breath, which action should the EKG technician take?
When a patient wearing a Holter monitor reports severe chest pain and shortness of breath, which action should the EKG technician take?
Signup and view all the answers
How many monitor leads are placed on the patient when applying a Holter monitor?
How many monitor leads are placed on the patient when applying a Holter monitor?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is reviewing a tracing for a patient who has a ventricular pacemaker. Which of the following rhythm patterns should the technician expect after a pacing spike?
An EKG technician is reviewing a tracing for a patient who has a ventricular pacemaker. Which of the following rhythm patterns should the technician expect after a pacing spike?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most effective technique for an EKG technician to verify that a patient understands the Holter monitor instructions?
What is the most effective technique for an EKG technician to verify that a patient understands the Holter monitor instructions?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing a posterior EKG, which of the following is the correct location for placement of lead V8?
When performing a posterior EKG, which of the following is the correct location for placement of lead V8?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is the result of atrial depolarization?
Which of the following is the result of atrial depolarization?
Signup and view all the answers
For which patient should an EKG technician expect to see somatic interference on the EKG tracing?
For which patient should an EKG technician expect to see somatic interference on the EKG tracing?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is preparing to perform a standard 12-lead EKG tracing on a patient who has a heart rate of 150/min. Which of the following speed controls should the technician select?
An EKG technician is preparing to perform a standard 12-lead EKG tracing on a patient who has a heart rate of 150/min. Which of the following speed controls should the technician select?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is performing an exercise stress test for a patient with ventricular fibrillation. What should the technician do first?
An EKG technician is performing an exercise stress test for a patient with ventricular fibrillation. What should the technician do first?
Signup and view all the answers
While performing a standard 12-lead EKG, an EKG technician notices that none of the leads are giving a reading. Which of the following limbs should the technician check first when correcting this problem?
While performing a standard 12-lead EKG, an EKG technician notices that none of the leads are giving a reading. Which of the following limbs should the technician check first when correcting this problem?
Signup and view all the answers
If an older adult patient is unconscious upon arrival at the emergency department, what should the EKG technician do?
If an older adult patient is unconscious upon arrival at the emergency department, what should the EKG technician do?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following activities should an EKG technician instruct a patient to record in the Holter monitor diary?
Which of the following activities should an EKG technician instruct a patient to record in the Holter monitor diary?
Signup and view all the answers
Which lead groups form Einthoven's triangle?
Which lead groups form Einthoven's triangle?
Signup and view all the answers
Which EKG change indicates that a patient is beginning to show signs of myocardial ischemia?
Which EKG change indicates that a patient is beginning to show signs of myocardial ischemia?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing a stress test, an EKG technician should recognize that the test can be stopped when the patient reaches what percentage of their target heart rate?
When performing a stress test, an EKG technician should recognize that the test can be stopped when the patient reaches what percentage of their target heart rate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the duration of a PR interval that spans four small boxes on the EKG paper?
What is the duration of a PR interval that spans four small boxes on the EKG paper?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician should follow which of the following recommendations regarding infection control practices in health care settings?
An EKG technician should follow which of the following recommendations regarding infection control practices in health care settings?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following arteries is the best location for an EKG technician to use to measure the heart rate for an adult patient following an exercise stress test?
Which of the following arteries is the best location for an EKG technician to use to measure the heart rate for an adult patient following an exercise stress test?
Signup and view all the answers
For a standard 12-lead EKG, which three leads should be placed at the same horizontal level?
For a standard 12-lead EKG, which three leads should be placed at the same horizontal level?
Signup and view all the answers
In which situation is it acceptable for an EKG technician to share a patient's protected health information?
In which situation is it acceptable for an EKG technician to share a patient's protected health information?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following actions should an EKG technician perform for a patient immediately before an exercise stress test?
Which of the following actions should an EKG technician perform for a patient immediately before an exercise stress test?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following sites is the most accurate for an EKG technician to use when measuring a patient's body temperature?
Which of the following sites is the most accurate for an EKG technician to use when measuring a patient's body temperature?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should an EKG technician take for a patient prescribed contact precautions?
What action should an EKG technician take for a patient prescribed contact precautions?
Signup and view all the answers
After completing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient, what should the EKG technician do next?
After completing a standard 12-lead EKG on a patient, what should the EKG technician do next?
Signup and view all the answers
During an exercise stress test, a patient reports heaviness on his chest and becomes diaphoretic. The EKG technician should recognize the findings as manifestations of which of the following conditions?
During an exercise stress test, a patient reports heaviness on his chest and becomes diaphoretic. The EKG technician should recognize the findings as manifestations of which of the following conditions?
Signup and view all the answers
Which finding is consistent with bradycardia?
Which finding is consistent with bradycardia?
Signup and view all the answers
A thin spike before the P wave indicates that a pacemaker has been implanted to pace which of the following?
A thin spike before the P wave indicates that a pacemaker has been implanted to pace which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
What signs often indicate a patient is experiencing ventricular tachycardia?
What signs often indicate a patient is experiencing ventricular tachycardia?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is cause for discontinuing a stress test?
Which of the following is cause for discontinuing a stress test?
Signup and view all the answers
An EKG technician is educating a patient about home use of an ambulatory monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician instruct the patient to take if any electrodes become loose?
An EKG technician is educating a patient about home use of an ambulatory monitor. Which of the following actions should the technician instruct the patient to take if any electrodes become loose?
Signup and view all the answers
When reviewing EKG tracing that indicates asystole, what should the technician do first?
When reviewing EKG tracing that indicates asystole, what should the technician do first?
Signup and view all the answers
If a patient with a ventricular pacemaker has a heart rate of 76/min and the pacemaker is set to a rate of 70/min, what should the technician expect to observe?
If a patient with a ventricular pacemaker has a heart rate of 76/min and the pacemaker is set to a rate of 70/min, what should the technician expect to observe?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most commonly used paper speed for an EKG?
What is the most commonly used paper speed for an EKG?
Signup and view all the answers
During an exercise stress test to evaluate coronary vascular disease, what action should the technician take?
During an exercise stress test to evaluate coronary vascular disease, what action should the technician take?
Signup and view all the answers
What intervention should the technician expect the provider to prescribe for a patient experiencing heart palpitations?
What intervention should the technician expect the provider to prescribe for a patient experiencing heart palpitations?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the expected reference range for a pulse rate of a 2-year-old patient?
What is the expected reference range for a pulse rate of a 2-year-old patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which vital sign change during an exercise stress test indicates distress in an adult patient?
Which vital sign change during an exercise stress test indicates distress in an adult patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method can be used to calculate both regular and irregular rhythms?
Which method can be used to calculate both regular and irregular rhythms?
Signup and view all the answers
If an EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on an adult patient who becomes unresponsive, what should the technician do first?
If an EKG technician is performing a standard 12-lead EKG on an adult patient who becomes unresponsive, what should the technician do first?
Signup and view all the answers
What speed setting should an EKG technician use for a patient experiencing accelerated junctional rhythm?
What speed setting should an EKG technician use for a patient experiencing accelerated junctional rhythm?
Signup and view all the answers
Which patient should an EKG technician expect to require a chemical stress test?
Which patient should an EKG technician expect to require a chemical stress test?
Signup and view all the answers
Which wave should an EKG technician use to determine the regularity of the ventricular rate?
Which wave should an EKG technician use to determine the regularity of the ventricular rate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which lead is created between the left arm and left leg?
Which lead is created between the left arm and left leg?
Signup and view all the answers
What is recorded by lead I of a standard EKG?
What is recorded by lead I of a standard EKG?
Signup and view all the answers
What method should an EKG technician use to calculate a patient's heart rate from the EKG tracing?
What method should an EKG technician use to calculate a patient's heart rate from the EKG tracing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement by a patient indicates an understanding of care instructions for wearing a Holter monitor?
Which statement by a patient indicates an understanding of care instructions for wearing a Holter monitor?
Signup and view all the answers
What term should an EKG technician use when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?
What term should an EKG technician use when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?
Signup and view all the answers
What action protects a patient's health information according to HIPAA regulations?
What action protects a patient's health information according to HIPAA regulations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of tort does derogatory comments about a patient's appearance exemplify?
Which type of tort does derogatory comments about a patient's appearance exemplify?
Signup and view all the answers
Which situation constitutes an allowable disclosure of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines?
Which situation constitutes an allowable disclosure of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines?
Signup and view all the answers
Which characteristic is associated with the EKG tracing of a patient with atrial fibrillation?
Which characteristic is associated with the EKG tracing of a patient with atrial fibrillation?
Signup and view all the answers
What statement indicates a patient understands home care instructions for a Holter monitor?
What statement indicates a patient understands home care instructions for a Holter monitor?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be used when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?
What should be used when explaining electrodes to a pediatric patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which action would protect a patient's health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations?
Which action would protect a patient's health information in accordance with HIPAA regulations?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
EKG Technician Key Concepts
- Gain is the function used to control the height of EKG waveforms on the tracing.
- Clippers are the recommended method for hair removal at electrode placement sites.
- A sinus arrest is a medical emergency when it lasts 6 seconds or longer.
- Bipolar leads include Leads I, II, and III.
- Resting tab electrodes can conduct accurately for a maximum of two EKG tracings.
- For Lead V5, the electrode should be placed on the left anterior axillary line, horizontal to Lead V4.
- For a patient with a left leg amputation, place the right leg electrode on the lower right abdomen.
- Electrodes should be stored in their original foil-lined packaging to maintain integrity.
- The first action to take with a serial EKG showing different rhythms is to verify proper lead placement.
- Preparing a patient for telemetry monitoring includes cleaning the skin with an alcohol pad.
- Lead V6 should be placed in the left midaxillary line for a child.
- The QRS complex measures from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the S wave.
- Irregular R-R intervals in young children can be normal due to respiration.
- The apical pulse is measured between the fifth and sixth ribs, at the left midclavicular line.
- A complete cardiac cycle includes the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
- When facing language barriers, using a bilingual staff member for translation is effective.
- For transtelephonic monitor usage, patients should press the record button when experiencing symptoms.
- In lead II, the expected P wave is rounded and upright.
- When unable to share EKG results, communicate that interpretation is the provider's role.
- Use an alcohol pad to cleanse skin before electrode placement for a standard 12-lead EKG.
- Artifact from improper grounding can show as uniform, small spikes on an EKG tracing.
- The carotid artery is commonly used to check pulse during CPR.
- A standard 12-lead EKG can reveal changes in heart function from previous tests.
- Adverse reactions during an exercise stress test may include tingling sensations in extremities.
- During a nuclear stress test, patients should lie supine with arms above the head.
- Instruct patients to refrain from caffeine, smoking, or alcohol at least 3 hours before stress tests.
- Cyanosis indicates potential myocardial infarction.
- For infants, place lead V3R between V2 and V4 on the right side of the chest.
- Ground electrodes for telemetry should be placed on the right lower leg.
- Discontinue a stress test for signs like ST segment elevation.
- Patients with loose Holter monitor electrodes should use surgical tape to secure them.
- EKG artifacts might stem from lead corrosion.
- Silver electrodes can be used for daily monitoring due to their reliability.
- In case of severe symptoms reported by a Holter monitor patient, call emergency services while staying on the line.
- A Holter monitor requires placing five leads on the patient.
- The most effective technique to ensure patient understanding of Holter monitor instructions is to have them repeat the instructions back.### Patient Experiences and Emergency Responses
- In the case of a patient experiencing a seizure, prioritize assessing the patient’s responsiveness.
- When ventricular fibrillation is indicated on an EKG during a stress test, the first action should be to determine the patient's responsiveness.
- For unconscious older adult patients, assume implied consent for EKG procedures due to their critical condition.
EKG Lead Configurations and Interpretations
- Einthoven's triangle is formed by leads I, II, and III.
- A depressed ST segment on an EKG tracing indicates myocardial ischemia.
- A PR interval spanning four small boxes indicates a duration of 0.16 seconds.
- Leads V4, V5, and V6 should be placed at the same horizontal level during a standard 12-lead EKG.
Patient Health Information and EKG Protocol
- It is acceptable to share patient protected health information for quality assurance training purposes.
- Remove gloves before leaving a patient’s room who is under contact precautions.
EKG Process and Equipment Handling
- After performing a 12-lead EKG, check the tracing for artifacts before disconnecting the patient from the machine.
- Cold and clammy skin can be an indicator of bradycardia.
- Observe for multiple premature ventricular contractions in a row during ventricular tachycardia.
Emergency Situations and Cardiac Rhythm Analysis
- When asystole is observed, the first step is to check the patient.
- In a patient with a ventricular pacemaker, if the pacemaker is functioning correctly, pacer spikes will not appear on the tracing.
EKG Specifications and Heart Rate Calculations
- The most commonly used paper speed for EKGs is 25 mm/second.
- During exercise stress tests, report unexpected dysrhythmias immediately.
- A 2-year-old’s expected pulse rate is approximately 120/min.
- An increase in respirations from 18 to 36/min during an exercise stress test signifies patient distress.
Rhythm Analysis and Calculation Techniques
- The 6-second method can be used to calculate both regular and irregular rhythms.
- Start chest compressions first if a patient becomes unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse during a 12-lead EKG.
Lead Significance and Interpretive Details
- For lead I, it measures electrial activity between the right arm and left arm.
- The R wave is used to determine the regularity of the ventricular rate.
- Lead III is created between the left arm and left leg.
Patient Information Management and Confidentiality
- It's acceptable for patients to write their names on a registration sign-in sheet, complying with HIPAA.
- In atrial fibrillation, the R-R interval is irregularly irregular.
Holter Monitor Instructions and Compliance
- Patients must record spontaneous symptoms while wearing a Holter monitor and should avoid turning it off.
- Use simple terms like "stickers" when explaining electrodes to pediatric patients.
Protecting Patient Information
- Delivering the EKG directly to the patient's provider is a proper method to protect patient health information according to HIPAA regulations.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for EKG technicians preparing for certification. Each card presents a question about EKG machine functions and methods, helping you to enhance your skills in the field. Perfect for quick reviews and memorization before the exam.
