The Role of the EKG Technician - Practice Flashcards

Quiz-style flashcards covering key concepts from the EKG Technician role, settings, skills, certification, privacy (PHI/HIPAA), and professional practice.

What is an electrocardiogram (EKG)?

A recording in visible form of the heart's electrical activity; also called ECG.

What does 'diagnosis' mean?

Determination of a medical condition by a doctor.

What is a cardiologist?

A doctor specializing in the health of the heart.

Who is an EKG technician?

A healthcare worker who performs or assists with different types of EKG tests.

What is ambulatory care?

Care provided in outpatient settings such as a doctor’s office or urgent care center.

What is outpatient treatment?

Care provided without the patient being admitted to a hospital.

What is acute care?

Care provided in an inpatient setting such as a hospital with short-term, immediate care.

What is inpatient treatment?

Care provided to a patient who has been admitted to a hospital.

What is myocardial infarction?

A condition where heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen because blood flow is blocked; also called a heart attack.

What is scope of practice?

Description of the duties a healthcare worker is expected and legally allowed to perform.

Name three ambulatory care settings.

Doctor’s office; urgent care center; free-standing emergency department.

Name four inpatient care settings.

Hospital; specialty hospital; long-term care facility; inpatient rehabilitation facility.

What are 'soft skills'?

Skills such as attention to detail and tact that affect how a person performs a job, not tied to a specific task.

What are 'hard skills'?

Skills such as measuring blood pressure, applying electrodes, and operating EKG machines.

What is 'prejudice' in this context?

An unfavorable opinion of a person or group based on race, religion, etc., without basis.

What is 'empathy'?

The ability to understand and experience the feelings of another person.

What is 'sympathy'?

The expression of concern for a person’s feelings or situation.

What is a 'code of ethics'?

A list outlining behavior that is morally right or wrong in a particular setting.

Name three qualities of great EKG technicians (from Key Material 1-2).

Acceptance of constructive feedback; care for personal appearance; reliable attendance.

Name three more qualities of great EKG technicians.

Attention to detail; communication skills; acceptance of cultural diversity (and compassion).

Name additional qualities of great EKG technicians.

Flexibility; initiative; integrity; problem-solving ability; timeliness; tact; understanding of teamwork.

What is certification?

A credential issued by a school, facility, or organization verifying that a person has met certain standards and/or completed a course of study.

What is licensure?

A legally required process that involves completing an approved course of education, passing a written exam and, in some cases, a skills test to practice a medical profession.

What is clinical experience?

Experience working with patients in a healthcare facility.

Which organizations offer EKG technician certification?

NHA and NCCT.

What is the difference between certification and licensure?

Certification is a voluntary credential often requiring supervision; licensure is mandatory to practice.

What is continuing education in this context?

Ongoing education required for recertification; facilities provide in-service; renewal requires continuing education.

What does CPR stand for and when is it used?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; used when a person’s heart or lungs have stopped.

What are typical recertification requirements for EKG certification?

Complete a recognized training, provide proof of hands-on clinical or laboratory experience, pass an exam, and pay a certification fee.

What does it mean for a certifying agency to be authentic?

Membership in ICE or NCCA; ensures credentials are authentic and recognized.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; governs how PHI is managed and penalties for mishandling PHI.

What is PHI?

Protected Health Information; a person’s private health information (name, address, dates, contact info, etc.).

Name some examples of PHI.

Name; postal address; dates (birth/admission, etc., except year); telephone; fax; email; URL; IP address; SSN; medical record number.

What is the HIPAA penalty structure?

Civil charges for mishandling PHI; criminal charges with fines and/or jail time; possible loss of certification or license.

What is the HITECH Act?

Act encouraging transition to electronic health records to improve care coordination and security.

What is the Joint Commission?

An external organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare facilities on a voluntary basis.

What is the American Heart Association (AHA) role?

Sets the standards for Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.

What is the chain of command in a healthcare facility?

The line of authority within a facility or agency overseeing who gives assignments and who to approach with needs or concerns.

What is 'liability' in a healthcare context?

A legal term meaning a person can be held responsible for actions that harm someone.

Policy vs procedure: how do they differ?

Policy: a course of action established to be followed every time a situation occurs; Procedure: a step-by-step method of doing something.

Why is the chain of command important?

Helps employees know who will give them assignments and where to go with needs or concerns; clarifies liability and roles.

Who are members of the healthcare team that an EKG technician interacts with?

Doctors; mid-level providers (PAs/NPs); nurses; physical therapists; pharmacists; EMTs; volunteer ambulance crews.

What is confidentiality?

The legal and ethical principle of keeping information private.

Examples of positive nonverbal communication.

Standing up straight; making eye contact; nodding or smiling; a cheerful tone; handshakes.

Examples of negative nonverbal communication.

Slouching; avoiding eye contact; crossing arms; frowning; rolling eyes; checking the time.

How can electronic health records (EHRs) affect PHI security?

They can make coordination easier and can be more secure if proper system security is maintained.

What does the HITECH Act require healthcare facilities to do?

Promote the transition to electronic health records to improve care and security.

What is the function of The Joint Commission in healthcare?

To evaluate and accredit healthcare facilities on a voluntary basis.

What are typical occupations in the hospital chain of command (example roles)?

Executive director/administrator; clinical nursing director; medical director; supervising clinic nurses; physicians; mid-level providers; staff nurses; EKG technicians.