Asked by Ivett Flores on May 02, 2024
Verified
The nurse is obtaining a 12-lead ECG on a patient with chest discomfort and interprets the results as a very thick-lined waveform tracing.The nurse troubleshoots this tracing by performing which appropriate intervention?
A) Unplugs the battery-operated equipment in the room one item at a time.
B) Reapplies the electrodes to ensure proper connection with the skin.
C) Adjusts the extremity electrodes on the wrists and ankles.
D) Asks the patient to hold his breath to see if the tracing improves.
Waveform Tracing
The visual representation of variations in voltage over time, often used in medical monitoring of physiological functions.
12-Lead ECG
A diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles, providing comprehensive cardiac information.
Nurse
A healthcare professional specially trained to care for the sick and assist in their recovery and health maintenance.
- Demonstrate proper troubleshooting and interpretation of ECG tracings.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 07, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Artifact that looks like a very thick-lined waveform is 60-cycle interference.The nurse should unplug battery-operated equipment in the room one item at a time to see if the interference disappears.60-cycle interference is rare.The tracing needs to be repeated.The electrode placement and the patient's breathing pattern do not cause 60-cycle interference.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate proper troubleshooting and interpretation of ECG tracings.