EKG AcquisitionQuestion 55 of 100
What is the standard patient position for obtaining a resting 12-lead EKG?
a.Supine with arms resting at the sides and legs uncrossed
b.Sitting upright with the arms folded across the chest
c.Standing with the arms extended
d.Left lateral with the knees drawn up
Explanation
The standard resting EKG is taken with the patient supine, arms relaxed at the sides, legs flat and uncrossed, so muscle tension and limb contact do not distort the tracing. Folded arms and crossed legs create somatic tremor and can bridge electrodes. Standing or lying on the side shifts the heart within the chest and changes the tracing, so any deviation must be documented.
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