EKG THE ROLE OF THE EKG TECHNICIAN

Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

A recording in visible form of the electrical activity of a patient heart; that plays an important role in the diagnosis or determination of medical condition and treatment of patient

What is EKG elektrokardiogramm refer too as?

ECG electrocardiogram

Diagnosis

Determination of medical condition by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider

Cardiologist

Are doctors who specialize in the health of the heart

EKG Technician

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

What are the different types of EKG tests that are used to perform specific kinds of information of the heart?

3-lead

12- lead

Ambulatory monitor ( such as Holter)

Stress Test

Ambulatory Care

Refers to any setting where medical care is provided in an outpatient setting such as a doctors office or urgent care without the patient being admitted to a hospital.

Outpatient Treatment

Care provided without the patient being admitted to a hospital which can also be referred to as an ambulatory care

What are the following examples of ambulatory care?

Doctors Office

Urgent Care Center

Freestanding emergency department

Occupational health clinic

Primary care clinic

Cardiology specialty clinic

Outpatient surgery center

Rehabilitation or physical therapy clinic

Acute care

Care provided in an impatient setting such as a hospital where the emphasis is in providing short term, immediate care for illnesses and injuries

Impatient treatment

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

Myocardial infarction

A condition that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen because blood flow is blocked; also called heart attack

An EKG may be ordered to help a healthcare provider diagnosed a

myocardial infarction

What are the following examples of impatient treatment facilities where EKGS might be ordered or conducted

Hospital

Specialty Hospital ( for example, a hospital specializing in cardiac care)

Long term care facility

Impatient rehabilitation facility

What are EKG Technician are required to do in a patient interaction?

Obtain Vital signs and medical history before performing the EKG

Explain the procedure to the patient in a calm, reassuring manner

Answer any questions the patient may have

Perform The EKG

Ensure that the EKG tracings are clear and accurate

Scoop of practice

A description prof the duties a healthcare worker is expected and legally allowed to perform

What are the requirements of a healthcare professional when it comes to taking patient history?

Symptoms or issues the patient is experiencing and medications the patient takes. Past medical history includes any medical issues, concerns or complications in the patients past. Family history includes any medical significant health problems in the patients close relatives. Social History relating to any behaviors that could affect the patient health.

Soft skills

Skills that are not related to the performance of a specific task but which affect how a person performs her job, such as attention to detail and use of tact

Hard skills

Skills that involve performing specific tasks, such as measuring blood pressure, applying electrodes and operating EKG machines.

Nonverbal Communication

Known as body language can change the message that the EKG technician is trying to send.

Positive Nonverbal Communication

Standing Up Straight with arms relaxed

Leaning toward the speaker

Making eye contact

Nodding or smiling

Offering a handshake or greeting

Taking Notes

Using a cheerful tone of voice

Smiling

Negative Nonverbal communication

Slouching or resting head in hands

Leaning back from the speaker Making eye

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, winching, rolling eyes

Empathy

The ability to understand and experience the feelings of another person

Sympathy

The expression of concern for a persons feelings or situation is not her part of compassion

Imitative

Employees who can recognize and complete tasks that need to be done are showing initiative

Integrity

Is the quality of having strong moral principles and being honest

Code of ethics

A list outlying behavior that is considered morally right or wrong in a particular setting

Certification

Is a process used in healthcare to show that skills are mastered for some positions

Licensure

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

Clinical experience

Experience working with patients in a healthcare facility

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Medical procedures used when a persons heart or lungs have stopped working

Chain of command

The line of authority within a facility or agency

Liability

Is a legal term that means a person can be held responsible for his actions if he harms someone else’s

Protected health information

a person’s private health information, which includes name, address, telephone number, social security number, email address, and medical record number.

What does HIPPA identifies as 18 types of information considered to be PHI

Name

Postal address

All elements of dates associated with an individual (birth date, hospital admission date, etc.) except year

Telephone number

Fax number

Email address

URL (website) address

IP address (a number that identifies a device connected to a computer network)

Social security number

Account numbers of any kind

License or certificate numbers of any kind

Medical records number

Health plan beneficiary number

Device identifiers and their serial numbers

Vehicle identifiers such as license plate numbers and serial numbers

Biometric identifiers (fingerprints, voice-prints, etc.)

Full-face photos and other comparable images

Any other unique identifying number, code, password, or characteristic