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Rationale and key points This article provides a step-wise, practical approach to recording a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and explores the evidence base that supports the use of this important assessment tool in clinical practice. •A 12-lead ECG is frequently used in a variety of clinical settings, including emergency care, preoperative and post-operative assessment, and primary care. It is used to assess and diagnose patients with suspected arrhythmias, hypertension, coronary heart disease or heart failure. •Correct positioning of the electrodes using anatomical landmarks is essential to ensure an accurate and high-quality ECG recording. •Skin preparation is essential, since suboptimal electrode contact or electrodes being placed where there is a significant amount of dry or dead skin cells, grease, sweat or hair, can negatively affect the quality of the ECG recording. Reflective activity ‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1.How this article might improve your practice when recording a 12-lead ECG. 2.How you could use this information to educate your patients and colleagues on the appropriate technique for recording a 12-lead ECG. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11066 Citation Menzies-Gow E (2018) How to record a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11066 Peer review This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software Correspondence
Conflict of interest None declared Disclaimer Please note that information provided by Nursing Standard is not sufficient to make the reader competent to perform the task. All clinical skills should be formally assessed at the bedside by a nurse educator or mentor. It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure their practice remains up to date and reflects the latest evidence Published online: 20 April 2018 ORUnlock full access to RCNi Plus todaySave over 50% on your first 3 monthsYour subscription package includes:
Subscribe RCN student member? Try Nursing Standard StudentAlready subscribed? Log inAs a nursing student and new nurse, I had trouble remembering where to place electrodes (RA, RL, LA, LL, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 & V6) on a patient for a 12 lead EKG. However, after much practice I have finally got it. In this article, I want to prepare you for how to place
electrode stickers on a patient for a 12 lead ECG (EKG) so you will be prepared in clinicals and as a new nurse. In addition, I’m going to demonstrate how to place electrodes for a 12 lead ECG in a video tutorial. In the hospital and clinic setting, you will be expected to obtain a 12 lead EKG on a patient. This is done at the bedside with a machine. The machine analyzes various angles of the heart and interprets the patient’s heart rhythm and rate. You can tell so much about a patient’s cardiac status from an EKG. For instance, if a patient is having chest pain, you can look at an EKG and tell if they are having an active myocardial infraction (in most patients). In addition, you can tell if they are in any type of abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter etc. Video Tutorial on 12 Lead EKG PlacementDon’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos! Supplies you will need
Prep the SkinFirst clean the electrode site placements with alcohol prep to remove oils and dirt from the skin. Then gently “rough up” the area with the abrasive tape so the electrodes will stick properly. Tip: Always make sure your electrodes are not expired or the gel is dry because this can affect the connection. In addition, never place an electrode over an implanted device in the skin. There are a total of 10 leads (4 limb leads & 6 chest/precordial leads) and they are the following:
Location of EKG 12 Lead Placement
You may be interested in: Nursing Skills Videos Where should V1 be placed for a 12 lead ECG tracing?12 Lead ECG Placement Guide. Where should V1 leads be placed?Placement of Lead V1
Gently move your fingers over the 3rd rib to the 3rd intercostal space, and then over the 4th rib to the 4th intercostal space. The electrode is placed here (4th intercostal space right sternal border).
Where will the nurse place the V 1 lead when obtaining a 12 lead electrocardiogram quizlet?Correct lead placement on the chest for a 12 lead electrocardiogram is V1, fourth intercostal space at right sternal angle; V2, fourth intercostal space at left sternal border; V3, midway between V2 and V4; V4, Fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line; V5, left anterior axillary line at level of V4 horizontally; ...
Where should the V1 electrode be placed for a normal 12 lead ECG quizlet?Where should the V1 electrode be placed for a normal 12-lead ECG? The fourth intercostal space to the right of the sternum.
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