Questions and Answers
The measurement of the smallest blocks on standard ECG graph paper are:
Lead I for the ECG tracing is the heart view between the:
In a standard ECG lead V3 is located:
Proper preparation of the patient includes the following EXCEPT:
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The height of a normal standardization mark on an ECG tracing is:
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AC interference is an artifact in an ECG tracing that means:
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The cardiac testing procedure that requires the patient to keep a diary of daily activities is a(n):
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The ECG grounding lead is the lead attached to the:
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The ECG tracing is printed on graph paper at a standard speed for an adult of:
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Lead II of the ECG tracing records the electrical activity through the heart from the:
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During the electrical heart cycle repolarization refers to the:
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The chest lead V1 is located at which intercostal space?
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The image traced on the ECG paper is made by a:
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The purpose of adjusting the normal standard to one-half standard is to:
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When a patient has trouble relaxing or cannot remain still for the ECG the artifact that may occur is:
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The type of cardiac procedure that requires the use of a treadmill is:
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The medical assistant should gather all the appropriate patient data before the ECG procedure EXCEPT:
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The leads aVR, aVL, and aVF are the:
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The QRS complex of the ECG tracing represents:
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The ECG marking code that represents lead V1 is:
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A long strip of QRS complexes of a certain lead used to define certain cardiac arrhythmias is a:
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If the electrodes are too loose on the patient what artifact might you find on the ECG tracing?
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The purpose of setting the ECG paper speed at 50 mm/sec is to:
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The P wave represents the:
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What should the medical assistant tell a patient if the patient asks if he or she will feel any discomfort from the ECG procedure?
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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.