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Recording a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)
27 June 2019
Clinical
Stephen McStay
Stephen McStay
Lecturer (Adult Nursing), Department of Nursing Midwifery and Healthcare, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University
View articles · Email Stephen
02 June 2019
Volume 28 · Issue 12
ISSN (print): 0966-0461
ISSN (online): 2052-2819
References
The recording of a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has become commonplace within the healthcare environment. It is regarded as the most frequently performed cardiovascular test worldwide, with more than 200 million ECGs recorded in 2017 ().
The 12-lead ECG is an important test, and in the context of presenting symptoms and a detailed history, can prove to be essential in the delivery of effective patient care (). The timely recording of the 12-lead ECG may minimise additional risk and reduce negative patient outcomes as the information obtained from the 12-lead ECG can aid diagnosis and may also signify a need for urgent intervention (; )—for example, a patient presenting with chest pain may be experiencing a myocardial infarction. However, if a poor technique is applied and the 12-lead ECG is not accurately recorded from the start, the information gained during the process may lead to the mismanagement of the patient ().
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As 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 Placement
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Supplies you will need
- 10 Electrode Stickers
- 1 strip of abrasive tape (this roughs up the epidermis so you can get a good connection)
- Alcohol prep pads (cleans the skin’s oils so you can get a good connection)
- Hair Trimmers (used to remove excessive hair on men)
Prep the Skin
First 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.