EKGQuestion 77 of 100
An EKG shows a baseline that gradually drifts up and down across the tracing. This wandering baseline is most often caused by:
a.Patient movement, respiration, or loose/dirty electrodes
b.A normal heart rhythm
c.Sixty-cycle interference from equipment
d.Ventricular fibrillation
Explanation
A wandering baseline is a slow up-and-down drift usually caused by patient movement or respiration, or by loose or poorly attached electrodes and dried gel. Ensuring good skin prep and secure electrode contact corrects it. Recognizing it as artifact prevents mistaking it for a rhythm abnormality.
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