EKG AcquisitionQuestion 58 of 100
A patient has a right below-the-knee amputation. How should the technician place the limb electrodes?
a.Omit the right leg electrode entirely and run a 9-lead tracing
b.Place both leg electrodes on the intact left leg, several inches apart
c.Place the right leg electrode on the right arm
d.Place the right leg electrode on the right lower torso and place the left leg electrode symmetrically, then document the modification
Explanation
When a limb is missing, the electrode is moved to the nearest torso location on the same side and the opposite limb electrode is moved to match, keeping the tracing symmetric, and the modification is documented for the interpreting physician. Omitting an electrode prevents the machine from producing a valid tracing. Doubling up on one leg or moving a leg lead to an arm distorts the frontal-plane leads.
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