Philips HeartStart MRx - Page 64

4 ECG and Arrhythmia Monitoring Electrode Placement
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The V/C lead may be placed in any of the precordial electrode positions as shown in Figure 34 (V1/C1
through V6/C6).
Figure 34 V/C Electrode Placement
For accurate V/C lead placement and measurement, it is important to locate the fourth intercostal
space, as follows:
1 Locate the second intercostal space by first palpating the Angle of Lewis (the small bony
protuberance where the body of the sternum joins the manubrium). This rise in the sternum is
where the second rib is attached, and the space just below this is the second intercostal space.
2 Palpate and count down the chest until you locate the fourth intercostal space.
Figure 35 shows the typical electrode placement for a 12-lead ECG set.
Figure 35 12-lead Placement
NOTE When you do a 12-lead ECG, you should attach the limb leads to the patient’s extremities.
1
2
3
4
5
6
V1/C1 p
l
acement:
f
ourt
h
intercosta
l
space at
right sternal margin.
V2/C2 placement: fourth intercostal space at
left sternal margin.
V3/C3 placement: midway between V2 and
V4.
V4/C4 placement: fifth intercostal space at
left midclavicular line.
V5/C5 placement: same level as V4 on
anterior axillary line.
V6/C6 placement: same level as V4 at left mid
axillar
y
line.
Conventional 12-Lead ECG In conventional 12-Lead ECG
using 10 electrodes, an electrode is placed on the right arm,
left arm, right leg, and left leg. Six V/C electrodes are placed
on the chest as shown in Figure 35. The right leg electrode is
the reference electrode.