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22 ECG acquisition
Attach the leads to the patient
Proper lead attachment is important for a successful ECG. The most common ECG
problems are caused by poor electrode contact and loose leads. Follow your local
procedures for attaching the leads to the patient. Here are some common guidelines.
WARNING Electrodes can cause allergic reactions. To avoid this, follow
the electrode manufacturer's directions.
WARNING Skin irritation may result from the continuous application of the
ECG electrodes. Examine the skin for signs of irritation or inflammation and
avoid placing the electrode in those areas. If you observe skin irritation,
replace the electrodes or change the location of the electrodes every 24
hours.
WARNING Connect patient lead wires only to the patient electrodes.
WARNING Patient safety risk. The most important aspect of obtaining a
quality electrocardiogram is a proper electrode hook-up. Failure to properly
apply the electrodes and patient cable may result in noisy signal, false
alarms, or sub-optimal electrocardiogram analysis, which could cause
patient harm. Any of these events could potentially contribute to patient
harm.
WARNING Patient injury risk. Use only accessories approved by Welch
Allyn, including electrodes, lead wires, and patient cables. These approved
accessories are required for electrical protection of the patient during
cardiac defibrillation. Refer to the accessory list or www.welchallyn.com.
WARNING Inaccurate measurement risk. Impedance respiration
monitoring is not reliable when ECG electrodes are placed on the limbs.
WARNING When using ECG Wrist Clip electrodes, although a normal
Lead I QRS waveform is produced on the monitor, this waveform should
not be used for serious clinical interpretation because the electrodes are
not properly triangulated around the patient 's heart.
WARNING Inaccurate measurement risk. To use ECG wrist clip electrodes
effectively, consider the following:
•
The size of ECG wrist clip electrodes is fixed; you cannot adjust it.
•
Proper orientation of the clip with the monitor depends on repositioning the
clip until you achieve a snug fit.
•
The preferred position of the clip is the patient's wrist, but you can move it
up the patient's arm toward the torso.
•
The clip might not work with patients who have small wrists and arms.
•
Exercise caution when placing the clip so that it doesn't impede circulation
along the patient's wrist and arm.
•
If you cannot achieve a snug fit with the wrist clip, use some other method
to monitor ECG.
®
Welch Allyn Connex
Devices ECG Module
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