EKG AcquisitionQuestion 46 of 100
A tracing shows the baseline slowly drifting up and down in a wave pattern that matches the patient's breathing. What should the technician check first?
a.Whether the machine is set to 50 mm/sec
b.Whether the electrodes are loose, dried out, or applied over lotion or oil
c.Whether the arm and leg electrodes are reversed
d.Whether the standardization is set to 20 mm/mV
Explanation
A wandering baseline is usually caused by poor electrode contact from loose tabs, dried gel, body lotion, oils, or sweat, and it is also worsened by deep respiration or cable tension. The fix is to clean and dry the skin, apply fresh electrodes, and secure the lead wires. Paper speed and standardization change the size or spacing of the complexes, and lead reversal changes polarity rather than causing drift.
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