Question

892 Chapter 39 Cardiopulmonary Procedures b. Describe why the artifact occurs. c. Describe how a medical assistant can prevent the artifact. 7. The following questions relate to interrupted baseline artifact. a. Describe the appearance of the artifact. b. Describe why the artifact occurs. c. Describe how a medical assistant can prevent the artifact.

Answer 1

7. a) An artifact occurs when there is interference from signals other than the heart's electrical signal.

b)some causes for artifacts are :

• loose electrodes
• dry electrodes
• when the patient is shivering , it can cause muscle tremor artifacts
• electromagnetic interference due to mobile phones or other devices using electromagnets.
• CPR compression artifact
• artifact caused due to neurostimulators and such other equipment
• pacing spike in people with pacemakers

c)how can artifacts be prevented:

• position the patient in supine or semi fowler's position when taking the ECG
• Encourage the patient to place their arms on their sides and relax their shoulders
• keep all electromagnetic devices including cell phones away from the patient.
• avoid moist skin. dry the skin well before placing the electrodes
• ensure good electrode skin contact by shaving any hair that may be present on the chest.
• remove oils from the skin at the electrode placement site by rubbing with alcohol.
• avoid putting the electrode on bones and areas with lots of muscle mass
• ensure that the gel is still moist on the electrodes.