EKG certification Certification EKG Safety & Infection Control Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary reason for cleaning EKG electrode sites with alcohol before application?
- To reduce skin impedance and prevent infection (Correct answer)
- To improve patient comfort
- To make electrodes stick permanently
- To sterilize the skin for surgical procedures
Correct answer: To reduce skin impedance and prevent infection
Alcohol prep reduces skin oils and microorganisms, lowering impedance for better signal quality while minimizing infection risk.
Question 2: Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST essential when performing an EKG on a patient with contact precautions?
- Gloves and gown (Correct answer)
- N95 respirator only
- Face shield only
- Sterile surgical gloves
Correct answer: Gloves and gown
Contact precautions require gloves and gown to prevent transmission of organisms spread by direct or indirect contact.
Question 3: A patient's EKG leads accidentally contact a wet surface during the procedure. What is the immediate concern?
- Electrical shock hazard to the patient (Correct answer)
- Signal artifact on the tracing
- Damage to the EKG machine
- Increased skin impedance
Correct answer: Electrical shock hazard to the patient
Wet surfaces create a conductive pathway that increases the risk of electrical current reaching the patient, posing a shock hazard.
Question 4: How should single-use EKG electrodes be disposed of after use on a patient with MRSA?
- In a biohazard waste container (Correct answer)
- In regular trash after wiping with alcohol
- Returned to the supply room for reprocessing
- In a sharps container
Correct answer: In a biohazard waste container
Used electrodes from patients with communicable infections must be disposed of in biohazard waste containers per infection control protocols.
Question 5: What is the correct action if the ground wire on a three-prong EKG power plug is missing or broken?
- Remove the machine from service until repaired (Correct answer)
- Use an adapter to convert to a two-prong plug
- Continue using but document the issue
- Wrap the cord with electrical tape
Correct answer: Remove the machine from service until repaired
A missing ground wire eliminates the safety path for stray current, making the equipment unsafe and requiring immediate removal from service.
Question 6: During an EKG, a technician notices the patient has a transdermal medication patch on the chest. What should the technician do?
- Avoid placing electrodes directly on the patch and document its location (Correct answer)
- Remove the patch to get a better tracing
- Place the electrode on top of the patch for stability
- Ignore it since patches do not affect EKG readings
Correct answer: Avoid placing electrodes directly on the patch and document its location
Placing electrodes on medication patches can cause burns or alter drug absorption; electrodes should be placed nearby and the patch location documented.
EKG certification Certification EKG Safety & Infection Control Protocols 2
What is the primary reason for cleaning EKG electrode sites with alcohol before application?