-You are attempting to record an ECG for Mr. Potter, a 72-year-old patient who has Parkinson's disease. Knowing this, you automatically place the limb electrodes close to the trunk. However, the tracing looks as shown in the picture. What artifact is present and what can you do to fix it?
A) Extraneous marks; avoid using paper clips on the graph paper
B) Somatic interference; wait until Mr. Potter's tremors subside
C) wandering baseline; check for loose electrodes
D) AC interference; turn off nearby electrical equipment
E) Flat line; check pulse and respiration, then begin CPR

Question

-You are attempting to record an ECG for Mr. Potter, a 72-year-old patient who has Parkinson's disease. Knowing this, you automatically place the limb electrodes close to the trunk. However, the tracing looks as shown in the picture. What artifact is present and what can you do to fix it?
A) Extraneous marks; avoid using paper clips on the graph paper 
B) Somatic interference; wait until Mr. Potter's tremors subside 
C) wandering baseline; check for loose electrodes 
D) AC interference; turn off nearby electrical equipment 
E) Flat line; check pulse and respiration, then begin CPR

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic interference is caused by involuntary muscle movements, such as tremors in Parkinson's disease, which can distort the ECG tracing. Waiting until the tremors subside or finding a moment of relative calm can help reduce this artifact.

-You Are Attempting to Record an ECG for Mr