A medical assistant is applying EKG electrodes to a patient who is sweating profusely and reports chest pain. Which of the following actions should the assists take to acquire an adequate tracing?
Ensure the skin is clean and dry.
Apply conductive gel to the patient's chest.
Shave the electrode sites.
Place the electrodes below the clavicle.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Ensure the skin is clean and dry. This is the correct action. Sweating can interfere with electrode adhesion and signal quality, so the skin should be cleaned and dried to ensure a good contact for accurate EKG readings.
B. Apply conductive gel to the patient's chest. Conductive gel is typically used with certain types of electrodes, but in the case of disposable adhesive EKG electrodes, it is not necessary and may not improve tracing quality.
C. Shave the electrode sites. Shaving may be necessary if the patient has a lot of body hair, but it is not the first step when dealing with sweating. Drying the skin is more immediate and essential.
D. Place the electrodes below the clavicle. Electrode placement should follow standard EKG guidelines, and moving them to non-standard positions like below the clavicle can result in inaccurate readings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Prone: The prone position (lying face down) is not suitable for venipuncture or for patients at risk of syncope.
B. Trendelenburg: The Trendelenburg position (lying flat with the legs elevated) can help prevent syncope by increasing venous return to the heart and improving blood flow to the brain.
C. Supine: While the supine position (lying flat on the back) is appropriate for venipuncture, the Trendelenburg position is preferred for patients with a history of syncope.
D. Fowler's: The Fowler's position (sitting or semi-sitting) is not suitable for preventing syncope during blood draws.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tape measure: A tape measure is necessary to measure the head circumference of infants, which is a routine part of a well-child visit to monitor growth and development.
B. Glucometer: A glucometer is used to measure blood glucose levels and is not routinely required for a well-child visit unless the child has a specific condition like diabetes.
C. Tuning fork: A tuning fork is used to assess hearing, typically in older children or adults, and is not routinely required for a well-child visit for a 1-year-old.
D. Bulb syringe: A bulb syringe may be used for suctioning an infant's nose or mouth, but it is not a standard tool needed for a well-child visit unless there is a specific need.
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