Table of Contents
Advertisement
Identifying ECG
Problems
The following table
shows
symptoms and solutions to
problems that can occur when recording an ECG.
Table 3-1. ECG Problems and Solutions
Problem
Power line AC
Interference
Cause
Possible Solutions
Poor
electrode contact.
Dry
or dirty
Reapply electrodes. Abrade skin.
electrodes.
Use new electrodes.
Lead wires may be picking up
Route electrode wires along the
interference. One possibility is a
limbs and away from any other
poorly grounded instrument near
electrical equipment. Fix other
patient.
equipment. Unplug cardiograph
from AC power and operate on
battery only.
Patient cable is located too close to
Move cardiograph further away frou
the cardiograph's power cord or
patient. Unplug cardiograph from
other power cords.
AC power and operate on battery
only. Move other instruments
further away from patient. Unplug
electric bed.
Wandering
Baseline
Patient movement.
Reassure and relax the patient.
Electrode movement. Poor electrode Be sure that the lead wires are not
contact & skin preparation.
puliing on the electrodes. Reapply
electrodes. Make sure the Filter
light is on.
Respiratory interference.
Move lead wires away from areas
with greatest respiratory motion.
3-2 Troubleshooting
Advertisement
Table of Contents
