Holter Monitoring and Ambulatory EKG Flashcards

What is the typical recording duration for a standard Holter monitor?

Answer: 24 to 48 hours

A standard Holter monitor records cardiac activity continuously for 24 to 48 hours to capture intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear on a brief resting EKG.

What is the primary purpose of Holter monitoring?

Answer: To detect intermittent cardiac arrhythmias not seen on a resting EKG

Holter monitoring is used primarily to detect intermittent arrhythmias that may not occur during a brief resting 12-lead EKG.

Which type of electrodes are used in Holter monitoring?

Answer: Disposable adhesive silver/silver chloride electrodes

Disposable adhesive silver/silver chloride electrodes are used in Holter monitoring because they provide reliable skin contact for extended recording periods.

What is the main purpose of the patient diary in Holter monitoring?

Answer: To correlate patient symptoms and activities with the cardiac recording

The patient diary allows the interpreting physician to correlate reported symptoms and activities with corresponding cardiac events captured on the recording.

Before attaching Holter monitor electrodes, the technician should prepare the skin by:

Answer: Cleaning, drying, and lightly abrading the skin

Cleaning with alcohol, drying, and lightly abrading the skin removes oils and dead cells to ensure secure electrode adhesion and reduce artifact.

What does the event marker button on a Holter monitor allow the patient to do?

Answer: Mark the exact time when symptoms are experienced

The event marker button allows the patient to electronically flag the recording at the precise moment symptoms occur for later correlation with the EKG tracing.

Which of the following is MOST likely to cause artifact in a Holter recording?

Answer: Loose or improperly adhered electrodes

Loose or poorly adhered electrodes allow movement artifact to contaminate the recording, which is the most common source of artifact in Holter studies.