EKG on female patients

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

How do all of you do EKGs on female pts? I've been using a towel folded longwise to cover their breasts. My big concern is placing electrodes and connecting the leads when they are large and a bit saggy. Do you ask them to lift themselves? I work in an ER and many times I simply cannot get a female to do the EKG in a reasonable time frame.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

When I was back the adult world, I would pull their gown up under the blanket to just under their bust and push their arm leads through the neckhole and connect. Then I would pull the neckline down between 'em so I could see to put the v1-v2-v3 leads on. I would then push (gently) her (covered) breast from the bottom up and stick on the v4-6 leads. I never totally exposed the pt. I could knock one out in about 5-10 minutes. Never needed a helper to do it.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

You men sound like considerate gentlemen! Thanks!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

There was always the LOLINAD (little old lady in no apparent distress) with no teeth who'd whip up her top and tell me to have at it.....

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Specializes in NA and NT on 28 possible units.

This is an interesting situation, as a Student Nurse who happens to be male I would explain the procedure to the female patient and ask her how she wants to proceed. I like the idea of using a towel as it maintains the privacy of her breasts. One way though not always the 'easiest way' that works, is to put the near shoulder placement leads on through the top of the gown, funnel the whole bunch through the opening in the middle of the gown, and then go make sure the gown is somewhat loose and from the back where it's tied, loosen, and go through the "side" of the abdomen and place the last of the leads.

Have not had to utilize EKG's alot, but a very good question, hopefully you get some more responses:)

Michigan Man 09

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I like how all of you keep the breats covered. I would hate to be left uncovered whether it was done by a male or female. I have big boobs (DD) and if asked to move it up or down I wouldn't be offended in the least. A simple, "Would you mind lifting your left breast/right breast to the side or center?!" would work. It's polite and professional. Truthfully I would rather help out here than have the nurse do it.

Nice of you to be so compassionate. I've noticed this from a lot of male nurses. Great to see.

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Specializes in med-surg.

A tip for moving big and/or saggy breasts...

I had this question for my teacher and she said use the back of you hand (not the palm side) to move the breast. Then it won't seem like you are feeling her up. Also..a female student told me that she expects that when going to the hospital and it's a lot more awkward for me than her.

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SteveRN21 said:
When I was back the adult world, I would pull their gown up under the blanket to just under their bust and push their arm leads through the neckhole and connect. Then I would pull the neckline down between 'em so I could see to put the v1-v2-v3 leads on. I would then push (gently) her (covered) breast from the bottom up and stick on the v4-6 leads. I never totally exposed the pt. I could knock one out in about 5-10 minutes. Never needed a helper to do it.

Very nice you sound like the guy who did my 2nd EKG and you sound like the other guy who did my echocardiogram. (who warmed up the gel) They were so kind and respectful and I wasn't shy......just cold hahaha which is also embarrasing for it's own reasons.

As for the female who did my first EKG ever I thought she was rather inconsiderate and had me fully exposed which surprised me seeing as we have the "same equipment" so to speak.

I'm a female and have been lucky I think. I have never had a negative medical experience with a male. Men also tend to have warmer hands then women (might be a fluke there but again my experience)

I now see a female for my yearlys and she is kind and sweet but it is like being touched by a corpse. She also has a bad habit of leaving me overly exposed no matter what the procedure is but oh well can't have it all.

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SteveRN21 said:
There was always the LOLINAD (little old lady in no apparent distress) with no teeth who'd whip up her top and tell me to have at it.....

Sounds like she has a crush on you. She probably tells all her friends at the bingo hall how she flashed "that cute young man who does my heart check ups":devil: Living in Florida I have realized little old ladies are not as innocent as they appear.

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Is it possible for the female patient to leave her bra on during the EKG and still get a good reading?

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

nope..... because you have to basically place 75% of the leads where the bra covers....

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic.

I'm a lab assistant/phlebotomist and we also do EKGs in our outpatient lab. We have our female patients wear a gown open to the front (but covering the breasts) and also use a towel over the breasts for additional coverage. I generally politely ask the patient to lift their breast to the center by elevating their arm slightly while pressed against their breast. That seems to work for getting good lead placement, and I don't have to touch their breast at all.

Some patients could care less about being covered, but I always keep as much coverage as I can.

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