NURSING IMPLICATIONS FOR ECG RECORDING

NURSING IMPLICATIONS FOR ECG RECORDING
No special preparation for the patient is necessary to take an ECG. The female patient should put on a gown with its opening in front.
If the patient needs to be transported to the ECG department,transport him on a trolley ; never allow him to walk till diagnosis is confirmed.
Ask the patient to lie flat and relax.
To prevent unnecessary disturbance from the bystanders keep them away from patient.
Check the ECG machine is functioning properly.
The machine should be properly grounded.
There should be good contact between the patience skin and electrodes of the machine.
Apply electrode jelly to the skin where the electrodes are applied.
Select the correct limp leads, R.A-to the Right Arm
                                            L.A-to the left Arm
                                            R.L-to the Right Leg
                                            L.L-to the Left Leg
                                            V-  to the chest.
Select a flat and fleshy site instead of bony surfaces to avoid artifacts.
After each use the electrode plates should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water.

Causes of poor ECG signal..
Oily,dirty and scaly skin
Dirty electrodes
Improper application of electrodes
Loose or dislodged electrodes
Patient's movement
Broken cable wire
Faulty grounding
Faulty Equipment.