Positioning ECG Electrodes
ECG Monitoring
6-11
In addition to correct positioning of the electrodes, optimal skin preparation
prior to electrode placement will help ensure a clear signal for diagnosis.
Step
Action
1 Prepare the patient’s skin. Good electrode-to-skin contact is
important for a good ECG signal, as the skin is a poor conductor of
electricity.
• Select sites with intact skin, without impairment of any kind.
• Clip or shave hair from the site as necessary.
• Wash site with soap and water, leaving no soap residue.
Note--Philips does not recommend using ether or pure
alcohol, because they dry the skin and increase the resistance.
• Dry thoroughly.
• Use ECG skin preparation paper (abrasive) to remove dead
skin cells and to improve the conductivity of the electrode
site.
2 Check electrodes for moist gel, and attach to the clips. If you are not
using pre-gelled electrodes, apply electrode gel to the electrodes
before placement.
Note—Gel must be moist to provide a good signal.
3 Place the electrodes on the patient according to the lead placement
you have chosen (see the electrode placement diagrams following).
Place the edge down, then “roll down” the rest of the pad. Press
firmly around the adhesive edge toward the center.
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