Question 1

Which of the following may be a cause of somatic tremor?

Accepted Answer

Somatic tremor can be caused by muscle movement such as shivering from being cold.

Question 2

An ICD-10 code is a(n)

Accepted Answer

ICD-10 codes are diagnostic codes used by the billing department to communicate medical conditions and treatments to insurance companies and other healthcare providers. They provide a standardized method for documentation and reimbursement.

Question 3

Using proper body mechanics includes:

Accepted Answer

Using movements that maintain your posture is the correct choice for proper body mechanics. This involves keeping your spine in a neutral position while lifting or bending, engaging your core muscles, and avoiding awkward or jerky movements. Using just the muscles in your back may cause strain or injury, not following proper hand hygiene can lead to infection, and holding heavy objects far from your body can also strain your muscles and potentially cause injury.

Question 4

In most facilities, who is responsible for everyday care and maintenance of the ECG machine?

Accepted Answer

The ECG technician is typically responsible for the everyday care and maintenance of the ECG machine, ensuring it is functioning correctly and ready for use.

Question 5

The purpose of practicing proper body mechanics is primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Practicing proper body mechanics helps prevent injuries to both the healthcare worker and the patient. It involves using proper posture, body positioning, and lifting techniques to reduce the risk of strains or other injuries. While infection control and equipment maintenance are also important aspects of healthcare, they are not the primary purpose of practicing proper body mechanics. Artifacts on the ECG tracing can be reduced by ensuring proper electrode placement and minimizing patient movement during the procedure.

Question 6

You have begun performing an ECG on a patient, and the tracing appears as a flat line. What is the first thing you should do?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you should do is remain calm and check the patient to confirm if they have a pulse or not, as the flat line on the ECG could indicate either a non-beating heart or a technical issue, such as a detachment of the leads or cables. Calling for help or removing and replacing the leads should only be done after confirming the patient's status. Asking your supervisor for suggestions might delay critical interventions needed for resuscitation efforts in case of cardiac arrest.

Question 7

As you are preparing to perform an ECG on a 47-year-old patient, the patient has a seizure. The patient is not yet on the ECG table; she is standing beside the table in the procedure room. Which of the following actions should you take?

Accepted Answer

The first priority during a seizure is to ensure the safety of the patient by removing any nearby objects that may cause injury. Holding the patient down can increase the risk of injury and should be avoided unless necessary for safety reasons. Placing a bite stick in the patient's mouth is also unnecessary and can cause injury. While the patient may vomit during a seizure, providing an emesis basin should not be the immediate priority.

Question 8

How should you position a pregnant woman for an ECG?

Accepted Answer

During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, lying flat on the back can cause the enlarged uterus to press on the inferior vena cava, potentially leading to decreased venous return and hypotension. Positioning the pregnant woman slightly rolled to her left side helps alleviate this pressure, ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being during the ECG.

Question 9

If a patient has a seizure while you are performing an ECG, you should:

Accepted Answer

The priority is to protect the patient from injury during the seizure. Move any objects that could cause harm, cushion the patient's head, and loosen any tight clothing. Once the seizure has ended, assess the patient for any injuries and provide appropriate care. The ECG can be resumed once the patient is stable.

Question 10

If a patient has breast implants, what modification may be necessary when you place the chest electrodes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If a patient has breast implants, what...

Question 11

You are trying to perform an ECG on an infant, but the infant is scared and is crying hysterically. The parents have tried to calm him, but without success. What is your best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Waiting until the infant falls asleep is the best course of action because it allows for the procedure to be done with the least amount of distress for the infant. This approach is less invasive and stressful than restraining the infant, which could exacerbate the situation and potentially harm the infant or affect the accuracy of the ECG readings.

Question 12

When you have completed a routine ECG, how should you report the results?

Accepted Answer

The method of reporting ECG results will vary depending on the facility where you are working. It is best to follow their specific protocol for reporting results. This may include placing the report in the patient's chart, entering the results into an electronic medical record system, or sending the results directly to the ordering physician. It is important to ensure that the results are communicated in a timely manner and according to the facility's policies and procedures.

Question 13

Which of the following is not commonly performed as part of routine maintenance of an ECG machine?

Accepted Answer

Sterilizing the electrodes is not commonly performed as part of routine maintenance because electrodes are typically disposable and replaced between patients. It is important to wipe patient cables and lead wires with a damp cloth, wipe the machine dry with a soft cloth, and regularly check cables and wires for cracks or fraying to ensure proper functioning of the ECG machine.

Question 14

You need to perform an ECG on a patient who weighs 285 pounds. The patient is brought into the room in a wheelchair and informs you that she cannot move to the ECG table without assistance. You do not have the strength to lift the patient onto the table. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Asking a coworker to assist in moving the patient to the ECG table is the best choice. It ensures the safety and comfort of the patient, as well as allows for proper positioning for the ECG. It is important not to compromise the quality of the test by performing it on the patient in the wheelchair, as this may lead to inaccurate results. Additionally, informing the supervisor that you cannot perform the ECG without attempting to find a solution may reflect poorly on your problem-solving skills.

Question 15

Where should you place V7 when you are performing a posterior 12-lead ECG?

Accepted Answer

V7 should be placed in a straight line from V6 on the left posterior axillary line when performing a posterior 12-lead ECG. This placement helps in assessing the posterior aspect of the heart, especially useful in diagnosing conditions like a posterior myocardial infarction.

Question 16

Why are lead II or a modified chest lead the preferred leads for continuous cardiac monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Lead II and modified chest leads are preferred for continuous cardiac monitoring because they provide the best ability to view the P wave, which is crucial for assessing atrial activity and diagnosing arrhythmias.

Question 17

For which of the following patients might a physician order a right-side 12-lead ECG?

Accepted Answer

A patient with dextrocardia has a heart that is reversed, meaning the right ventricle is on the left side of the chest and vice versa. In this case, a right-side 12-lead ECG would be necessary to obtain accurate readings of the heart's electrical activity.

Quiz 4: Performing an Ecg