Cardiac arrhythmias Cardiac enlargement Chest pain History of syncope Pericarditis Pericardial effusion Myocardial infarction Heart failure

Greet client, explain procedure, and provide privacy.

to gain co-operation and allay anxiety

Ask client about all the medications they are taking

some meds can interfere with test results.

Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an ECG

may cause false results.

Wash hands
to prevent cross infection

Position patient into recumbent

to ensure electrodes can be placed correctly

Remove jewellery, rings and watch

To prevent micro-electric shock

Clean the skin in the area where electrode tabs will be placed
to ensure adherence and reduce discomfort on removal

 It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the electrodes stick to the skin. Ask patient to remain still as it is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during ECG recording.
Any movement, including muscle tremors such as shivering, can alter the results.

Apply gel at electrode plates

To protect skin and reduce artifacts on the tracing

After procedure, remove the leads and wipe off gel from clients chest and limbs with tissues
To ensure clients comfort

Clean and tidy equipment Label ECG graph with :

Name registration number Age Sex date and time ward

V1: right 4th intercostal space V2: left 4th intercostal space V3: halfway between V2 and V4 V4: left 5th intercostal space, mid-clavicular line V5: horizontal to V4, anterior axillary line V6: horizontal to V5, mid-axillary line

Limb Leads Limb leads are made up of 4 leads placed on the extremities: left and right wrist; left and right ankle.

The lead connected to the right ankle is a neutral lead. It is there to complete an electrical circuit and plays no role in the ECG itself.