Cardiac Monitoring/ 5 lead system

Specialties CCU

Published

I have been out of bedside nursing for 7 years, but recently have returned. I am working on a telemetry unit, and am unfamiliar with EKG leads Va and Vb. I have looked all over the internet for an explanation of what they measure and where they are placed on the chest. My preceptors can't really provide me with the information I need, unfortunately. Could someone please give me a heads up?

Thanks :typing

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This is probably referring to the modified chest lead (MCL), which is also sometimes called MCL1 or V1.

IF this is what they are referring to, it is placed roughly at the 4th RICS (similar to where V1 goes on a 12 lead), and uses the left upper arm as the negative electrode; it detects from Left to Right so typical conduction deflects negative. Ventricular ectopy thus would produce a positive QRS. It can distinguish different forms of ectopy.

Never heard the terms Va Vb......

Hope this helps.

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Specializes in aspiring NICU.

I agree, I'm a tele tech and I've never heard of Va, Vb. These are the normal leads: I, II, III, V, MCL, Avl, Avr, Avf, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6

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Specializes in ICU,CCU, MICU, SICU, CVICU, CTSICU,ER.

I've never heard of Va or Vb leads. Standard 5 lead will give you I,II,III, AVF,AVL,AVR,VI.

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If you're talking about a telemetry unit, the 5 lead monitoring system is used to obtain a modified 12 lead EKG using the computer that the monitor is connected to. The leads are not placed in the usual "white on right, etc." If the nurse wants to look at a 12 lead EKG without having to get the machine, do all the hook-up, charge the pt's account, etc, then this is a good system to have. It can help the nurse decide if the full 12 lead is warranted.

Just my :twocents:

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