Groundwork
Explain and discuss the procedure
with the patient to gain consent and co-operation for the procedure.
Explain to the patient the need for bed rest during monitoring, and
ensure privacy and dignity.
Equipment required:
- A 12-lead Electrocardiography (ECG) machine and leads, and paper for printout
- Limb electrodes
- Chest electrodes
Usual infection control policies
apply, e.g. handwashing. Special precautions may be required depending
on patients condition, e.g. MRSA.
Procedure
- Assist patient to assume a recumbent or semi-recumbent position.
- Raise the bed to a suitable working height(remember moving and handling).
- Expose patient's chest, ankles and wrists. Examine sites where electrodes will be place, maintain dignity.
- Remove the backing paper from the electrode, stick the electrode firmly to wrists and ankles (image a).
- If patients chest is very hairy, a
small patch of hair needs to be removed using razor/clippers to allow
good contact of the electrodes.
- Remove the backing paper from the electrode, stick the electrode firmly to the chest wall (image b).
- Connect the ECG leads to the electrodes as labelled or colour coded.
- Remind the patient the importance of remaining still.
- Press start on the ECG machine. On the printout, ensure to include patient's name, ward and hospital number.
Post Procedure
Remove electrodes and wipe away any traces of contact gel. Lower the bed, for safety and ensure patient is comfortable.Ensure the ECG machine is cleaned, stocked-up and ready for the next patient. File the ECG printout in the patients notes and inform the nurse or doctor requesting the ECG that it is available.
References
Bavin, C., Bedford-Turner, S., Cronin, P., Nicol, M. and Rawlings-Anderson, K. (2002) Essential Nursing Skills. Edinburgh: Mosby.
Baxter, A., Dolan, S. and Gale, N. (2001) Observations. In: Dougherty, L. and Mallet, J. (eds.) The Royal Marsden Hospital: Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures. 5th Edn. London: Blackwell Science.
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