Practice Test Geeks(CET) Certified Electrocardiogram Technician Practice Test
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ECG Artifact Troubleshooting Flashcards

7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which of the following Holter monitor artifacts most closely mimics ventricular tachycardia and poses the greatest risk of clinical misinterpretation?

    Answer: Lead fracture artifact producing rapid irregular spikes

    A fractured Holter lead wire can produce rapid, large-amplitude spike bursts that are virtually indistinguishable from VT on visual review, requiring correlation with patient activity diary.

  2. During a stress ECG, motion artifact increases significantly when the patient reaches maximum exercise. Which electrode placement modification is recommended to reduce motion artifact on a treadmill test?

    Answer: Move limb electrodes to the torso (Mason-Likar modification)

    The Mason-Likar modification repositions limb electrodes to proximal limb/torso locations, dramatically reducing movement artifact during exercise without significantly altering QRS morphology.

  3. An ECG shows artifact in all leads simultaneously, with the noise disappearing when the technician holds the patient's wrists. This finding indicates:

    Answer: Somatic tremor or muscle artifact from voluntary or involuntary movement

    Artifact that resolves when movement is stopped confirms muscle or motion artifact as the source, since immobilizing the limbs eliminates the mechanical origin of the noise.

  4. A patient with a body mass index of 45 has excessive diaphoresis. Which electrode product is MOST appropriate to ensure stable adhesion and reduce motion artifact?

    Answer: Diaphoretic or high-adhesive electrodes designed for moist skin

    Specialized diaphoretic electrodes use stronger adhesives and absorptive backings designed to maintain contact on sweaty skin where standard electrodes fail.

  5. On a 12-lead ECG, you notice the QRS complexes alternate in height (large-small-large-small pattern) without any change in rhythm. Before diagnosing electrical alternans, you should first rule out:

    Answer: Respiratory variation in electrode contact causing cyclical amplitude changes

    Respiratory movement can cyclically alter the angle between the cardiac vector and electrode axis, producing amplitude alternation that mimics true electrical alternans.

  6. When checking for the source of artifact on a 12-lead ECG, a technician should systematically evaluate leads in groups. Which grouping is correct for identifying a faulty LIMB lead?

    Answer: Artifact in leads I, II, and aVR but not III or aVL suggests a right arm electrode problem

    The right arm electrode contributes to leads I, II, and aVR; if those three leads share artifact while III and aVL (which both exclude RA) are clean, the RA electrode is the culprit.

  7. What is the recommended maximum electrode impedance for diagnostic ECG recording to minimize artifact according to AAMI/AHA standards?

    Answer: 5,000 ohms

    AAMI standards recommend electrode skin impedance below 5,000 ohms (5 kΩ) at 10 Hz to ensure adequate common-mode rejection and low artifact susceptibility.