Burdick ELI 280 - Page 42

RECORD AN ECG
40
For accurate V-lead placement and monitoring, it is important to locate the 4
th
intercostal space. The 4
th
intercostal
space is determined by first locating the 1
st
intercostal space. Because patients vary with respect to body shape, it is
difficult to palpate the 1
st
intercostal space with accuracy. Thus, locate the 2
nd
intercostal space by first palpating the
little bony prominence called the Angle of Louis, where the body of the sternum joins the manubrium. This rise
in the sternum identifies where the second rib is attached, and the space just below it is the 2
nd
intercostal space.
Palpate and count down the chest until you locate the 4
th
intercostal space.
Patient Hookup Summary Table
AAMI Lead
IEC
Lead
Electrode
Position
Red
Red
On the 4
th
intercostal space
at the right sternal
border.
Yellow
Yellow
On the 4
th
intercostal space
at the left sternal
border.
Green
Green
Midway between
V2/C2 and V4/C4
electrodes.
Blue
Brown
On the 5
th
intercostal space
at the left
midclavicular line.
Orange
Black
Midway between
V4/C4 and V6/C6
electrodes.
Violet
Violet
On the left
midaxillary line,
horizontal with
V4/C4 electrode.
Black
White
Yellow
Red
On the deltoid,
forearm, or wrist.
Red
Green
Green
Black
On the thigh or
ankle.