Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 452 views

    Ecg Placement

    Uploaded by

    Oliver Bagarinao
    The document discusses 12-lead ECG placement and the importance of correct electrode placement. It provides details on the proper placement locations for each of the 10 electrodes (V1-V6, RA, LA, RL, LL). Incorrect placement can lead to false diagnoses. It also describes common types of electrode misplacement and reversal that can alter ECG readings. Each lead provides a different view of the heart from particular electrode combinations in either the frontal or transverse plane. Reducing artifact is important for accurate readings, and guidelines are provided on patient positioning, skin preparation, and electrode application.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Ecg Placement

    Uploaded by

    Oliver Bagarinao
    452 views7 pages
    The document discusses 12-lead ECG placement and the importance of correct electrode placement. It provides details on the proper placement locations for each of the 10 electrodes (V1-V6, RA, LA, RL, LL). Incorrect placement can lead to false diagnoses. It also describes common types of electrode misplacement and reversal that can alter ECG readings. Each lead provides a different view of the heart from particular electrode combinations in either the frontal or transverse plane. Reducing artifact is important for accurate readings, and guidelines are provided on patient positioning, skin preparation, and electrode application.

    Original Description:

    ECG PLACEMENT

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    The document discusses 12-lead ECG placement and the importance of correct electrode placement. It provides details on the proper placement locations for each of the 10 electrodes (V1-V6, RA, LA, RL, LL). Incorrect placement can lead to false diagnoses. It also describes common types of electrode misplacement and reversal that can alter ECG readings. Each lead provides a different view of the heart from particular electrode combinations in either the frontal or transverse plane. Reducing artifact is important for accurate readings, and guidelines are provided on patient positioning, skin preparation, and electrode application.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    452 views7 pages

    Ecg Placement

    Uploaded by

    Oliver Bagarinao
    The document discusses 12-lead ECG placement and the importance of correct electrode placement. It provides details on the proper placement locations for each of the 10 electrodes (V1-V6, RA, LA, RL, LL). Incorrect placement can lead to false diagnoses. It also describes common types of electrode misplacement and reversal that can alter ECG readings. Each lead provides a different view of the heart from particular electrode combinations in either the frontal or transverse plane. Reducing artifact is important for accurate readings, and guidelines are provided on patient positioning, skin preparation, and electrode application.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 7
    At a glance
    Powered by AI
    The key takeaways are the importance of proper 12-lead ECG electrode placement and how incorrect placement can lead to false diagnoses. The document discusses electrode placement locations, common misplacements, and how to reduce artifact.

    The guidelines for proper 12-lead ECG electrode placement include placing the electrodes in the correct intercostal spaces and avoiding placing them over bones or areas with a lot of muscle movement.

    Common causes of electrode misplacement include placing the V1 and V2 electrodes too superiorly, which can mimic an anterior MI, and placing the precordial electrodes too inferiorly or laterally, which can alter amplitudes and lead to misdiagnoses. Up to 50% of cases have V1 and V2 misplaced and up to 33% have the precordial electrodes misplaced.

    12-Lead ECG Placement

    APRIL 27, 2014 BY EMTRESOURCE.COM 32 COMMENTS


    The 12-lead ECG is a vital tool for EMTs and paramedics in both the prehospital
    and hospital setting. It is extremely important to know the exact placement of
    each electrode on the patient.Incorrect placement can lead to a false diagnosis of
    infarction or negative changes on the ECG.
    Electrode Placement

    ELECTRODE PLACEMENT
    V1 4th Intercostal space to the right of the sternum
    ELECTRODE PLACEMENT
    V2 4th Intercostal space to the left of the sternum
    V3 Midway between V2 and V4
    V4 5th Intercostal space at the midclavicular line
    V5 Anterior axillary line at the same level as V4
    V6 Midaxillary line at the same level as V4 and V5
    RL Anywhere above the ankle and below the torso
    RA Anywhere between the shoulder and the elbow
    LL Anywhere above the ankle and below the torso
    ELECTRODE PLACEMENT
    LA Anywhere between the shoulder and the elbow
    Electrode Misplacement
    Up to 50% of cases have the V1 and V2 electrodes in a more superior
    location, which can mimic an anterior MI and cause T wave inversion.
    Up to 33% of cases have the precordial electrodes (V1-V6) inferiorly or
    laterally misplaced, which can alter the amplitude and lead to a
    misdiagnosis.
    Electrode Reversal
    RA/LA Reversal: Lead I is inverted, Lead II and III are reversed, aVR and
    aVL are reversed
    RA/RL Reversal: Lead II shows isolated asystole, aVF and aVR are
    identical
    LA/LL Reversal: Lead III is inverted, aVL and aVF are reversed
    Lead Groups
    The ECG leads are grouped into two electrical planes. The frontal leads (Lead I-
    III, aVR-F) view the heart from a vertical plane, while the transverse leads (V1-
    V6) view the heart from a horizontal plane.

    LEAD (-) ELECTRODE (+) ELECTRODE VIEW OF HEART
    Lead I RA LA Lateral
    Lead II RA LL Inferior
    Lead III LA LL Inferior
    aVR LA + LL RA None
    aVL RA + LL LA Lateral
    LEAD (-) ELECTRODE (+) ELECTRODE VIEW OF HEART
    aVF RA + LA LL Inferior
    V1 Septal
    V2 Septal
    V3 Anterior
    V4 Anterior
    V5 Lateral
    V6 Lateral
    12-Lead Explained
    One of the most common questions regarding a 12-lead ECG is why there are
    only 10 electrodes. Its important to fully understand what the term lead actually
    means. A lead is a view of the electrical activity of the heart from a particular
    angle across the body. Think of a lead as a picture of the heart and the 10
    electrodes give you 12 pictures. In other words, a lead is a picture that is
    captured by a group of electrodes.
    Reducing Artifact
    The hearts electrical signal is very small and unfortunately this can be combined
    with other signals of similar frequency to create artifact. Its not uncommon for
    12-lead ECGs to have some form of artifact; however, its important to try to
    reduce any interference to ensure an accurate ECG. Below is a list of guidelines
    that will help reduce artifact when performing ECGs.
    Patient Positioning
    Place the patient in a supine or semi-Fowlers position. If the patient cannot
    tolerate being flat, you can do the ECG in a more upright position.
    Instruct the patient to place their arms down by their side and to relax their
    shoulders.
    Make sure the patients legs are uncrossed.
    Move any electrical devices, such as cell phones, away from the patient as
    they may interfere with the machine.
    Skin Preparation
    Dry the skin if its moist or diaphoretic.
    Shave any hair that interferes with electrode placement. This will ensure a
    better electrode contact with the skin.
    Rub an alcohol prep pad or benzoin tincture on the skin to remove any oils
    and help with electrode adhesion.
    Electrode Application
    Check the electrodes to make sure the gel is still moist.
    Do not place the electrodes over bones.
    Do not place the electrodes over areas where there is a lot of muscle
    movement.

    You might also like