Troubleshooting
Lead-quality problems
“Artifact” message on the screen
Artifact is signal distortion that makes it difficult to accurately discern the waveform
morphology.
Causes
•
The patient was moving.
• The patient was shivering.
• There is electrical interference.
Actions
See actions for wandering baseline, muscle tremor, and AC interference.
Wandering baseline
Wandering baseline is an upward and downward fluctuation of the waveforms.
Causes
•
Electrodes are dirty, corroded, loose, or positioned on bony areas.
• The electrode gel is insufficient or dried.
• The patient has oily skin or used body lotions.
• Rising and falling of chest during rapid or apprehensive breathing.
Actions
•
Clean the patient’s skin with alcohol or acetone.
• Reposition or replace the electrodes.
• Verify that the patient is comfortable, warm, and relaxed.
• If wandering baseline persists, turn the baseline filter on.
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