What are some important concerns when placing ECG electrodes on a patient? Why is it important that the ECG leads are placed correctly? What are the consequences of incorrect placement?

The ECG is the one of the most important tools when assessing heart abnormalities. That is why it is extremely important that electrodes are placed correctly. The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology for examples has strict guidelines for placing the ECG. This may seem unimportant to an untrained eye but wrongly placed electrodes can lead to wrong diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

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avantikar avantikar · Answer 2 · 2019-11-20T10:22:03+01:00

The accuracy of the ECG completely depends on the quality of the lead electrode. To receive the proper sensing of the electrical signal, the electrode should be in proper contact with the skin of an individual.

Further Explanation:

An electrocardiogram is used to monitor the electrical signal generated by the heart muscle. The heart has a two-phase electrical pump and that is used to measure the electrical activity of a heart by attaching electrodes over the skin. The electrocardiogram provides the wave diagram by measuring the rhythm and rate of the heartbeat and gives an indirect proof of blood supply from the heart muscle.

While monitoring the heart, three-electrode leads are required, one on each arm and on the left chest. The accuracy of the ECG is completely dependent on the quality of the lead electrode. To receive the proper sensing of the electrical signal, the electrode should be in proper contact with the skin of an individual.

The electrode should not be placed on the tendons and excessive muscle mass. Before placing the electrode, clean the area, make sure the conducting gel is intact and don’t press the center of the electrode that will disturb the solidarity of the electrode. By examining the shape and size of the electrical waves, the physician can determine the decrease in blood flow to parts of the heart muscle and acute blockage that leads to myocardial infarction.

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Answer Details:

Grade: High school

Subject: Biology

Topic: ECG

Keywords:

Electrocardiogram, electrical, signal, heart, electrodes, rhythm, muscle, quality, tendons, physician, myocardial, infarction.