what does it mean when the ECG report showing artifact lead I

homework?

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I am hoping this is a homework question.....in case it is not, I am going to give more information than I usually give on a first encounter. At AN we will not do your homework for you. Part of becoming a good nurse is developing those crucial critical thinking skills that will enable you find the answers you need for your patient or how to research to find the answer. The Internet is a valuable source to finding this information. Just in case this involves an actual patient, I will give you what you need without seeking what you have researched on your own.

What does artifact mean? Artifact....may be defined as an object that has been intentionally made or produced.....which are not manifestations of the natural phenomena.

Usually a loose lead wire and/monitor patch on that particular lead.


Electrode Placement

http://www.nursecom.com/ECGprimer.pdf

When I do EKGs artifacts occur when the tracing of that lead is irregular (isolectric line all ziggy) due to something such as a sticker peeling off, the patient moving/shivering/talking, some heart devices may interfere with it, hairy chests, a loose EKG clip, patient not on their back, bad EKG machine many different reasons.

Basically when you have artifact you have to figure out why and when you find out the cause it should go away. Make sure the patients are on their back and HOB lower works the best when you cannot find the cause but 9/10 times its because the patient moved or is shivering. I have found moving the arm/leg stickers to different places also seem to straighten out a lot of the artifact too.