Welch Allyn Cardio Perfect Resting ECG - Quick Reference Guide - Manual

What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram—often abbreviated, as EKG or ECG—is a test
that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat,
an electrical impulse (or “wave”) travels through the heart. This wave
causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart.
Why is it done?
An ECG gives two major kinds of information. First, by measuring time
intervals on the ECG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical
wave takes to pass through the heart. Finding out how long the wave
takes to travel from one part of the heart to the next shows if the
electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular. Second, by
measuring the amount of electrical activity passing through the heart
muscle, a cardiologist may be able to find out if parts of the heart are
too large or are overworked.
CARDIOPERFECT ECG PATIENT INFORMATION
How is it done?
Several sensors called electrodes will pick up the electrical activity in the
heart. You will be asked to lie down, and technicians will put several
patches (electrodes) on the chest, arms and legs. Usually the electrodes
are soft and don’t cause any discomfort when they are put on or taken off
by the technician. The electrodes are connected to wires called leads,
which are connected to the ECG machine. The electrical activity of the
heart is then recorded on a moving strip of paper in the ECG machine.
During the ECG recording, you should lie quietly for 10-20 seconds,
because the electrocardiograph will detect any muscle or body movement.
Does it hurt?
No. There is no pain or risk associated with having an electrocardiogram.
Is it harmful?
No. The machine only records the ECG.
Condition Causes Actions
Lead-off information is displayed on the screen.
OR
One or more leads prints as a square wave:
• Electrode contact may be poor.
• A lead may be loose.
• A lead is disconnected from patient.
• Reattach the lead.
• Replace the electrode.
• Verify that the electrode area has been properly
prepared: shaved, cleaned with alcohol or acetone,
allowed to dry.
• Verify that electrodes have been properly stored
and handled.
Wandering baseline (an upward and
downward fluctuation of the waveforms): • Electrodes that are dirty, corroded, loose, or
positioned on a bony area.
• Insufficient or dried electrode gel.
• Oily skin or body lotions.
• Rising and falling of chest during rapid or
apprehensive breathing.
• Patient moved.
• Clean skin with alcohol or acetone.
• Reposition or replace electrodes.
• Help patient relax.
• If wandering baseline persists, turn the
baseline filter on.
• Ask patient to remain still and relaxed.
Muscle tremor interference (random, irregular
voltage superimposed on the waveforms). May
resemble or coincide with AC interference: • Patient is uncomfortable, tense, nervous.
• Patient is cold and shivering.
• Exam bed is too narrow or short to
comfortably support arms and legs.
• Arm or leg electrode straps are too tight.
• Help patient get comfortable.
• Check all electrode contacts.
• If interference persists, turn the muscle-tremor
filter on. If interference still persists, the problem
is probably electrical in nature. See the following
suggestions for reducing AC interference.
AC interference (even-peaked, regular voltage
superimposed on the waveforms).
May resemble or coincide with muscle tremor
interference: • Electrodes that are dirty, corroded, loose, or
positioned on a bony area.
• Insufficient or dried electrode gel.
• Patient or technician touching an electrode
during recording.
• Patient touching any metal parts of an exam
table or bed.
• Broken lead wire, patient cable, or power cord.
• Electrical devices in the immediate area,
lighting, concealed wiring in walls or floors.
• Improperly grounded electrical outlet.
• Incorrect AC filter frequency setting or
AC filter is turned off.
• Verify that the patient is not touching any metal.
• Verify that the AC power cable is not touching the
patient lead cable.
• Verify that the proper AC filter is selected.
• If interference still persists, the noise may be caused
by other equipment in the room or by poorly grounded
power lines. Try moving to another room.
LEAD QUALITY PROBLEMS
4341 State Street Road, PO Box 220, Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153-0220 USA
(p) 800.535.6663 (f) 315.685.2174 www.welchallyn.com
© 2007 Welch Allyn REF 101910 Mat. Number: 708550, Ver: B
C A R D I O P E R F E C T
RESTING ECG
Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E
MC3817 CardioPerfect ECG QSG 7/23/07 4:49 PM Page 1