Chapter 1: The Role of the EKG Technician

Flash card deck w/ terms from this chapter

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin.

Ambulatory Care

Any setting where medical care is given without the patient being admitted to the hospital. (Outpatient treatment; doctor’s office or clinics)

Acute Care

Treatment given when the patient is admitted to the hospital. (Inpatient treatment; hospital emergency department or ICU)

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart attack

Scope of Practice

The duties an healthcare worker is expected and legally allowed to perform.

Soft Skills

Personal traits (e.g., communication, empathy, teamwork)

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any individually identifiable health data protected under federal HIPAA privacy laws.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Protects the confidentiality, or privacy, of a persons health information.

EKG Technician

Performs or assists with EKG tests

Code of Ethics

What is considered right or wrong behavior on the job.

Certification

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

Licensure

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

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Emergency procedure for heart/breathing failure. Technician must maintain AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) status.