6.13c - Step-by-Step ECG Procedures

What should you do first after explaining the ECG procedure to the patient?

Gather supplies and prepare the machine.

Always start by washing your ______ before gathering supplies:

hands.

Before calling the patient into the exam room, be sure to have a disposable ______ ready:

razor.

A 4 × 4 ______ should be included in the supplies:

sponge.

How many 10-packs of electrodes should be prepared?

Two (one as a spare).

Alcohol pads or another ______ pack should be available for skin preparation:

skin prep.

What two clothing items should be ready for the patient?

A gown and a drape.

The ECG machine should be turned ______ before use:

ON.

The machine must have the correct ______, date, and patient information recorded:

time.

Clean or ______ leads and clips should be ready on the machine:

disposable.

The ECG machine should have ______ for the printer or ECG strip paper:

paper.

What position should the patient be placed in for the ECG?

Supine.

If the patient is in a different position, where should this be documented?

On the ECG or in the computer.

Raise the pant ______ to expose the lower legs:

cuffs.

Clean the skin where the electrodes will be placed with ______ pads and let dry:

alcohol.

Shave the area only if the electrodes will not ______:

stick.

Before shaving, explain to the patient why ______ must be removed:

hair.

Remove as little hair as necessary to ensure a good ______ to the skin:

bond.

Attach all the ______ before attaching the leads:

electrodes.

When electrodes and leads are correctly attached, ask the patient to breathe normally but not ______:

talk.

After a short duration, check that the machine is recording the ______ waves correctly:

heart.

Upon exam completion, the clinician may review the ECG before the patient is ______ from the electrodes:

disconnected.

If clinician review is not required, remove the ______ and ask the patient if they prefer to remove the electrodes:

leads.

Before leaving, allow the patient to ______ in private:

redress.