Question

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. 8. Describe the appearance of the following arrhythmias. a. Premature atrial contraction (PAC): – b. Atrial flutter: c. Third-degree heart block: d. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs):

Answer 1

Ans) 7) a. Electrocardiograph (EKG) artifacts are defined as EKG abnormalities, which are a measurement of cardiac potentials on the body surface and are not related to electrical activity of the heart. It is very important to recognize these artifacts, otherwise they can lead to unnecessary testing and therapeutic interventions.

b. Artifact on the electrocardiogram can result from a variety of internal and external causes from Parkinsonian muscle tremors to dry electrode gel. However, there are occasions when artifact mimics ECG abnormalities that can cause problems for patient care.

c. Attention to basic principles such as proper electrodes placement and lead connections (as mentioned above) is required during EKG monitoring.
Well designed and maintained EKG measurement devices can withstand routine internal or external electrical and motion-related disturbances. However, it is not always possible to eliminate artifacts completely.
It is essential that physicians keep high vigilance and interpret EKG keeping artifacts in their differential diagnosis list.

8) a.Premature atrial contraction (PAC):

On an electrocardiogram (ECG), PACs are characterized by an abnormally shaped P wave. However, if the atrial beat is premature enough, it may reach the atrioventricular node during its refractory period, in which case it will not be conducted to the ventricle and there will be no QRS complex following the P wave.