EKG Certification chapter 1

For my EKG certification :)

Diagnosis

Determination of medical condition and treatment of patients

EKG

(Sometimes referred to as “ECG”) but fully diclosed as electrocardiogram, is a quick painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Physicians also use this to diagnose and treat conditions and diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

What are some common examples of EKG tests?

Different tests are used to collect specific kinds of information of the heart. This list of tests include:

• 3-lead

• 12-lead

• ambulatory monitor(Ex. Holter)

• Stress test (etc...)

(I will dive deeper into this in a few flash cards later)

Cardiologists

Doctors specializing in the health and study of the heart. (They also often use EKG especially as their first tool of investigation)

EKG Technician

Technician on team of medical professionals specializing in performing and or assisting in the process of the EKG test. (this includes several different EKG tests different tests are typically prescribed by medical provider of patient) P.S. The following two flashcards explain examples of where EKG tests may take place.

Ambulatory care (AKA Outpatient Treatment)

Refers to any setting in which medical attention is given without patient admitted to hospital (Outside of the hospital)

Examples:

• Doctor’s office

• Urgent Care center

• Free-standing emergency department

• Occupational Health clinic

• Primary care clinic

• Cardiology specialty clinic

• Rehabilitation or physical therapy clinic

Acute Care (AKA Inpatient Treatment)

Refers to treatment given to patient admitted into hospital setting. (In the hospital)

Examples:

• Hospital

• Specialty Hospital (Ex. Hospital specializing in cardiac care

• Long-term care facility

• Inpatient rehabilitation facility

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart Attack (One of the reasons EKG technicians are frequently needed in inpatient facilities.)

Catheterization lab

Special laboratory for diagnosing heart disease.

What should an EKG technician do IMMEDIATELY after the EKG tracings have been recorded and completed?

Check if the tracing is free of artifact and make sure that the EKG tracings are, readable, clear, and accurate.

Can the EKG technician obtain vital signs and medical history information before performing the EKG test?

YES.

Scope of practice

What healthcare facilities have as a detailed job description for medical professionals (including EKG technicians) that outlines the duties the technician is expected and legally allowed to perform.

Past Medical History

Includes:

• Medical issues

• Past surgeries

• Past concerns or complications

EX. Previous heart attack

Family History

Includes:

• Significant health complications in patient’s close relatives

EX. Both of the patients parents had high blood pressure.

Social History (Environmental Factors or Foreign Factors)

Includes

• Patients health

• Does patient Smoke?

• Does Patient Drink?

• Exercise habits

• Patient diet and gastronomical index

Can EKG technicians have additional certifications to advance their careers?

In some U.S. states yes.

Soft Skills

Technicians way of communication as well as personal traits and qualities.(Must be appropriate and professional in the medical field)

Hard Skills

Medical skills in which technician is trained and proficient in (EX. taking blood pressure)

What are some essential soft skills an EKG technician must display?

• Acceptance of constructive feedback (constructive criticism)

• Care for personal appearance

• Reliable attendance

• Attention to detail

• Communication skills

• Acceptance of cultural diversity

• Compassion

• Initiative

• Integrity

• Problem-Solving ability

• Timeliness

• Tact(ability to say something without implying or causing offense)

• Understanding of teamwork

Nonverbal communication

Includes body language and human behavior that can change the message the EKG technician is trying to communicate.

Positive nonverbal communication

This includes:

• standing up straight with arms relaxed

• Leaning towards the speaker

• Making eye contact

• Nodding or smiling

• Offering a handshake or greeting

• Taking notes

• Using a cheerful tone or voice

• Smiling

Negative nonverbal communication

This includes:

• slouching or resting head in hands

• Leaning back from the speaker

• Crossing arms over chest

• Avoiding eye contact, looking down

• Checking the time

• Not acknowledging the other person

• Picking at or playing with something

• Using an angry tone of voice

• Frowning, wincing, rolling eyes

Empathy

Ability to understand and share in the feelings of another person.(stems from compassion)

Sympathy

The expression of concern for a persons feelings or situations.(stems from compassion)

Code of Ethics

This describes what is considered morally right or wrong behavior on the job.

Certification

Process used in health care to show that skills are mastered for some positions.

Licensure

The legal process that must be completed to practice a medical profession in a state.

(This can involve completing an approved course, passing an exam, and in some cases passing a skills test.) Ex. Registered Nurses (RN)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

In medical settings typically regulated by The American Heart Association as well as certified through them. Is the process of resuscitating a person from drowning, sudden cardiac arrest, suffocation, or in some cases overdose.

Chain of Command

Shows the line of authority in a facility. (Helps employees know who can assign and who can’t assign work to them.)

Liability

Legal term that means a person can be held responsible for his/her ACTIONS. (Ex. Harm towards someone)

What should an employee do if they have a concern and/or complaint?

Document emails and meetings with supervisors.

What should the employee do if they\ do not feel the issue was properly handled?

Go to the next person up in the chain of command. (Depending on the complaint, human services (HR) might also be able to assist)

Policy

Course of action that should be taken every time a certain situation occurs

Procedure

Set of steps used to do a task

Confidentiality

Legal and ethical principle of keep information PRIVATE.

Slander

SPOKEN untruths or defamatory(Insulting) COMMENTS about a person. (Civil Offense)

Libel

WRITTEN untruths or defamatory(Insulting) COMMENTS about a person. (Civil offense)

HIPAA

Health Insurance and Accountability Act, established in 1996, protects the confidentiality, or privacy, of a persons health information. This includes strict guidelines for handling, sharing, and protecting protected health information (PHI).

PHI

Protected Health Information. Protects things such as:

• Name

• Address

• All elements of dates associated with an individual (Ex. Birthdate or Hospital admission Date)

• Phone number

• Social Security Number

• Etc…

What are the penalties for breaching PHI laws?

Either noncriminal charges that involve fines or criminal charges that involve fines. Some cases may include jail time.

Intentional Breach of Confidentiality

When worker shares medical information with another healthcare worker.

Unintentional Breach of Confidentiality

Accidental discussion of patient care in PUBLIC with other healthcare worker. Can also happen when workers do not properly log out of electronic health records (EHR)