EKG in a Breeze by Laurel Algase

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laurelalgase — 2023-12-09 04:28:05 UTC

Please Review This Video for an Introduction

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laurelalgase — 2023-12-09 04:35:13 UTC

Where should I be placing electrodes?

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Citation: https://aimcardio.com/blog/12-lead-placement-guide-with-diagram/

Step 1: Obtain Supplies

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Pull facility policy and procedure on obtaining a 12 lead EKG. Review prior to entering patients room

Step 2: Employee Preparation

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Perform hand hygiene, done appropriate personal protective equipment based on patient need and introduce yourself to the patient and family.

Step 3: Going into the Patient Room

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Verify correct patient using two hospital approved identifiers, explain the procedure and ensure understanding. If further education is needed, ask for appropriate staff member to come and educate patient and or family

Step 4: Patient Preparation

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Ask the patient to remove any jewelry, street clothes and to lay on their back (Supine). Ensure patient is not touching any side rails or metal surfaces as it could interfere with the electrical tracing. Expose only necessary parts of patient body (arms, legs, chest), always ensuring privacy.

Step 5: Placing Electrodes

laurelalgase — 2023-12-09 05:10:19 UTC

Turn on EKG Machine and begin placing electrodes in correct positions.

V1 - 4th intercostal space, to the right of the sternal border

V2 - 4th intercostal space, to the left of the sternal border

V4 - 5th intercostal space, at the left midclavicular line (middle of the clavicle)

V3 - Directly between V2 and V4

V5 - Horizontal to V4 at the anterior axillary line (straight down just in front of the armpit)

V6 - horizontal to V4 at the midaxillary line (straight down from the armpit)

RA - On the right arm, in a fleshy area, avoiding bony prominences

RL - On the right leg, in a fleshy area, avoiding bony prominences

LA - Parallel to RA on the left arm, in a fleshy area, avoiding bony prominences

LL - Parallel to RL on the left leg, in a fleshy area, avoiding bony prominences

After the electrodes are placed, attach the correlating lead wires to the appropriately placed electrode.

Reference for picture: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/ECG-electrode-placement-The-name-and-placement-of-the-standard-ten-electrodes-used-to_fig1_371052743

Step 6: Ensuring good waveforms

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After placing electrodes on the patient's chest, and then connecting the appropriate cord to the ECG Machine, you will want to do a quick look at the waveforms on the machine. Green indicates a good electrical flow, orange or red indicates the connection is not accurate. Now is the time to ensure all electrode stickers are adhered to the chest and cords are connected.

Step 7: Obtain the ECG Recording

laurelalgase — 2023-12-11 17:08:07 UTC

Assure the ECG machine is on and programmed to all manufacturers specifications, including patient information. Instruct the patient to exhale and not take a breath in for just a second. After the patient exhales, push the button to record the ECG.

Step 8: Remove Electrodes and Deliver ECG

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Disconnect the leads from the patient, then remove the electrode stickers. (If a patient is required to have multiple ECGs in one day, also known as serial ECGs, you can leave the electrode stickers in place).

Clean the ECG Machine as required by manufacturer and hospital. Document appropriately in the patients medical record.

laurelalgase — 2023-12-11 17:22:02 UTC