EKG Testing Procedures and Patient Care

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Questions and Answers

What should be ensured before applying the monitor to the patient?

The monitor is properly calibrated

The patient is wearing loose clothing

The monitor batteries are fresh (correct)

The patient has fasted for 12 hours

What action should patients refrain from while wearing the Holter monitor?

Taking notes in a symptom diary

Pressing the event button

Showering or swimming (correct)

Continuing normal activities

What should a patient do if the electrodes become loose?

Remove the lead wires immediately

Change the electrodes at home

Turn off the monitor

Call the provider's office (correct)

Which of these symptoms requires immediate action from the patient?

Severe chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What should patients do with the equipment after completing the test?

Return it as directed Signup and view all the answers

How does gently preparing the skin affect the electrodes?

It helps the electrodes adhere properly Signup and view all the answers

Patients are instructed to keep a diary of what while wearing the Holter monitor?

Activity and symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What type of monitoring requires specific instructions for applying the monitor?

Holter monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula used to calculate the age-predicted maximal heart rate?

220 - patient's age Signup and view all the answers

When should the stress test be stopped?

If the patient requests to stop Signup and view all the answers

What is the target heart rate goal during the stress test?

Age-predicted maximal heart rate x 0.85 Signup and view all the answers

What devices are necessary for conducting an exercise test?

Treadmill or stationary bicycle and EKG machine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a patient monitoring parameter during the test?

Blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

What initial step is crucial before conducting a stress test?

Identify yourself and the patient according to policy Signup and view all the answers

How often should the EKG be repeated after the test?

Every 2-3 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be advised to the patient after completing the cardiac stress test?

Rest and avoid stimulants for the rest of the day Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for ensuring accurate face contact during an EKG procedure?

To prevent electrode detachment Signup and view all the answers

Why might chest hair need to be clipped for a male patient during an EKG?

To ensure proper electrode contact Signup and view all the answers

What should a technician do to prepare a patient's skin before placing electrodes?

Dry the skin or remove any lotion present Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of the EKG technician after completing a test?

Document and upload EKG tests accurately Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding a female patient’s bra during the EKG process?

Allow the patient to decide whether to remove it Signup and view all the answers

How should electrodes be attached to the lead wires in an EKG procedure?

By snapping or clipping the electrodes to the wires Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using electronic health records (EHRs) in an EKG procedure?

To ensure test results are readily available to all medical providers Signup and view all the answers

What should the EKG technician check after attaching the electrodes?

Verify that the EKG is uploaded to the correct patient's EHR Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step an EKG technician must take before conducting an EKG test?

Identify and prepare the patient Signup and view all the answers

How should the EKG technician confirm the patient's identity?

By having the patient state their full name and date of birth Signup and view all the answers

What should the EKG technician do if the patient does not understand English?

Use an interpreter or interpretation service Signup and view all the answers

Why is medical interpretation important in EKG procedures?

It allows patients to understand their care and ask questions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for patient identification?

Using the patient's address Signup and view all the answers

What might be a reason for patients not to ask for clarification during EKG procedures?

They might not hear well or understand the questions Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is crucial when communicating with patients during EKG procedures?

Maintaining clear communication and confirming understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of the patient identification process in EKG testing?

To verify that the correct patient is receiving the correct care Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred way for an EKG technician to describe tests to children?

In words they are sure to understand Signup and view all the answers

When should an EKG technician wear gloves?

If contact with nonintact skin or body fluids is likely Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding masks during an EKG test?

Masks should be worn if a patient has or may have a respiratory illness Signup and view all the answers

How should an EKG technician approach emergency situations during testing?

Recognize changes and follow emergency response procedures Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an EKG technician is unsure about what personal protective equipment (PPE) to use?

Consult a supervisor for clarity Signup and view all the answers

In what way should adult patients with developmental disabilities be treated by EKG technicians?

As adults, respecting their maturity Signup and view all the answers

What should families or caregivers of patients with developmental disabilities be allowed during the EKG test?

To remain in the exam room during the test Signup and view all the answers

What term can be used to refer to electrodes when speaking to children?

Stickers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Preparation for EKG Testing

The EKG technician should always identify themselves and the patient, and confirm the patient's identity using a combination of name, date of birth, and matching the information against the provider's order.
The technician must make sure the patient understands the procedure; they should be able to ask questions. The technician can use simpler language or an interpreter if the patient does not understand English.
Patients with developmental disabilities should be treated as adults, and their parents or caregivers should be allowed to stay in the exam room during the test.
The EKG technician should always wear gloves to protect both themselves and the patient from infection, and they should wear a mask if the patient has or may have a respiratory illness.

Performing Standard EKG Tests

The EKG technician should prepare the patient's skin by drying it or removing lotion and clipping any hair that might prevent good electrode contact.
The technician should attach electrodes to the patient's skin using the correct placement for each lead wire according to facility policy.
The technician should monitor the patient's heart rate before, during, and after the test.

Performing Stress Test

The EKG technician should obtain and document the patient's baseline vital signs and explain the procedure to the patient.
The technician should carefully monitor the patient's EKG, heart rate, blood pressure, respirations, and oxygen saturation readings during the stress test.
The patient should be told to rest after the test and avoid stimulants.
The EKG technician should stop the test when the patient requests it or when the heart rate does not go above 120 BPM.

Holter Monitoring

The EKG technician should explain this type of monitoring to the patient before attaching the electrodes.
The technician should ensure the monitor's batteries are fresh and provide the patient with extra batteries and instructions on how to change them.
The technician should tell the patient to call 911 for severe chest pain, weakness, or shortness of breath.
The technician should educate the patient on how to use the event button for recording possible symptoms.

Documentation

The completed EKG must be uploaded into the patient's medical record.
The technician must always check that the EKG is uploaded to the correct patient's chart, even if the machine automatically uploads the EKG.

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Description

This quiz covers essential procedures for patient preparation and the performance of standard EKG tests. It includes important protocols for technician conduct, patient communication, and appropriate hygiene measures. Test your knowledge of EKG testing best practices to ensure patient safety and comfort.