Electrocardiogram Flashcards

Questions and Answers

The measurement of the smallest blocks on standard ECG graph paper are:

5 mm wide by 1 mm high

1 mm wide by 1 mm high (correct)

1 cm high by 1 cm wide

1 mm wide by 5 mm high

Lead I for the ECG tracing is the heart view between the:

Left arm (LA) and the right leg (RL)

Left arm (LA) and left leg (LL)

Right leg (RL) and the left leg (LL)

Right arm (RA) and the left arm (LA) (correct)

Right arm (RA) and the left leg (LL)

In a standard ECG lead V3 is located:

At the midaxillary line at the horizontal level of position V4 and position V5

At the fourth intercostal space at the right margin of the sternum

Midway between position V2 and position V4 (correct)

At the fifth intercostal space and left midclavicular line

Proper preparation of the patient includes the following EXCEPT:

Place the electrodes or sensors over bony prominences of the arms and legs where the electrical activity is more easily conducted Signup and view all the answers

The height of a normal standardization mark on an ECG tracing is:

10 mm Signup and view all the answers

AC interference is an artifact in an ECG tracing that means:

There is electrical interference in the room Signup and view all the answers

The cardiac testing procedure that requires the patient to keep a diary of daily activities is a(n):

Holter monitor Signup and view all the answers

The ECG grounding lead is the lead attached to the:

Right leg Signup and view all the answers

The ECG tracing is printed on graph paper at a standard speed for an adult of:

25 mm/sec Signup and view all the answers

Lead II of the ECG tracing records the electrical activity through the heart from the:

Right arm to left leg Signup and view all the answers

During the electrical heart cycle repolarization refers to the:

Recovering phase Signup and view all the answers

The chest lead V1 is located at which intercostal space?

Fourth Signup and view all the answers

The image traced on the ECG paper is made by a:

Heated stylus tip that melts the coating of the paper Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of adjusting the normal standard to one-half standard is to:

Decrease the size of the patient's ECG tracing Signup and view all the answers

When a patient has trouble relaxing or cannot remain still for the ECG the artifact that may occur is:

Somatic muscle tremor Signup and view all the answers

The type of cardiac procedure that requires the use of a treadmill is:

Cardiac stress test Signup and view all the answers

The medical assistant should gather all the appropriate patient data before the ECG procedure EXCEPT:

Date of the patient's first ECG procedure Signup and view all the answers

The leads aVR, aVL, and aVF are the:

Augmented voltage leads Signup and view all the answers

The QRS complex of the ECG tracing represents:

Ventricular depolarization Signup and view all the answers

The ECG marking code that represents lead V1 is:

One dash and one dot Signup and view all the answers

A long strip of QRS complexes of a certain lead used to define certain cardiac arrhythmias is a:

Rhythm strip Signup and view all the answers

If the electrodes are too loose on the patient what artifact might you find on the ECG tracing?

Wandering baseline Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of setting the ECG paper speed at 50 mm/sec is to:

Help record rapid heartbeats Signup and view all the answers

The P wave represents the:

Atrial depolarization Signup and view all the answers

What should the medical assistant tell a patient if the patient asks if he or she will feel any discomfort from the ECG procedure?

The ECG procedure does not hurt and does not send electricity through you. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

ECG Basics and Measurements

Small blocks on standard ECG graph paper measure 1 mm wide by 1 mm high; large blocks are 5 mm by 5 mm.
Standard ECG tracing speed for adults is 25 mm/sec.
The height of a normal standardization mark is 10 mm, indicating machine accuracy.

ECG Leads and Positioning

Lead I provides a view from the right arm (RA) to the left arm (LA), one of the standard limb leads.
Lead II records electrical activity from the right arm to the left leg.
Lead V3 is located midway between positions V2 and V4, while V1 is at the fourth intercostal space, right margin of the sternum.
Grounding lead is attached to the right leg to minimize alternating current (AC) interference.

Patient Preparation for ECG

Electrodes should be placed on fleshy areas, not on bony prominences, to ensure proper conduction.
Patients must be made comfortable and reassured that the procedure is painless and involves no electricity transfer.
Proper grounding of the ECG machine is crucial to reduce interference.

Artifacts and Interference

AC interference indicates electrical disturbance in the room, potentially from machines or cables.
Somatic muscle tremor occurs when a patient is restless, causing artifacts on the ECG.
A wandering baseline appears when electrodes are loose, leading to inconsistent tracing on the ECG paper.

Cardiac Testing Procedures

A Holter monitor records heart activity over 24 hours, requiring the patient to maintain a diary of daily activities.
Cardiac stress tests often use a treadmill to assess the heart's response under physical exertion.
The significance of rhythm strips lies in their ability to capture long-term QRS complex patterns for detecting arrhythmias.

Electrical Activity and Heart Cycle

The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, indicating heart contraction.
The P wave signifies atrial depolarization, reflecting the electrical activity that triggers atrial contraction.
Repolarization is characterized as the recovery phase where ions exchange, preparing the heart for the next beat.

ECG Markings and Adjustments

Lead markings like V1 use a codification of dash and dots for identification.
Adjusting the standard to one-half can decrease the size of the ECG tracing when necessary.
Speed adjustment to 50 mm/sec aids in recording rapid heartbeats clearly, allowing for better assessment of cardiac conditions.

Communication with Patients

Medical assistants should clarify to patients that the ECG does not involve electricity and is painless.
Addressing patient comfort, such as providing pillows for support, can alleviate anxiety during the procedure.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards focused on electrocardiogram (ECG) concepts. Each card presents a question or definition related to ECG measurements and leads. Ideal for medical students or anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of ECG.