ECG Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards

Which ECG machine setting controls the speed at which paper moves during recording?

Answer: Paper speed control

Paper speed control determines how fast the paper advances, with 25 mm/sec being the standard US setting.

What is the purpose of the right leg (RL) electrode in a standard 12-lead ECG?

Answer: Serves as the electrical ground to reduce interference

The right leg electrode serves as the electrical ground (neutral) to minimize common-mode noise and interference in the recording.

When cleaning reusable ECG electrodes, which agent should be avoided because it can degrade the metal contact surface?

Answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) can corrode and pit metal electrode surfaces, degrading conductivity over time.

A technician notices the ECG machine displays 'LEAD FAIL' for lead II. Which electrode connection should be checked first?

Answer: Right arm (RA) and left leg (LL) electrodes

Lead II is derived from the potential difference between the right arm (RA, negative) and left leg (LL, positive), so those connections should be checked.

What does the '1 mV standardization mark' at the beginning of an ECG tracing verify?

Answer: That the machine's sensitivity is properly calibrated at 10 mm/mV

The 1 mV standard pulse should produce a 10 mm (two large squares) deflection, confirming the machine is calibrated at standard sensitivity.

Which precordial electrode placement is located at the fourth intercostal space, right sternal border?

Answer: V1

V1 is placed at the fourth intercostal space along the right sternal border, one of the two anchor points for precordial lead placement.

When an ECG machine's internal battery is used during a power outage, which maintenance practice is most important?

Answer: Recharging the battery fully after each use and testing it regularly

Fully recharging after each use and performing periodic battery capacity tests ensures the backup power is reliable when needed.