New facts learned while studying for NCLEX-PN...

[Baubo516, RN]

I just want to share this "WHOA!" moment that I just had. I am reviewing for the NCLEX-PN, using Lippincott's review book. This is the first time I have ever read a detailed description on where to put the leads for telemetry! I have completed my LPN year of schooling, and even did a clinical rotation on a cardiac unit at a large hospital. I have been shown how to apply telemetry by at least one aide and one nurse from that unit. Our tele boxes at this hospital also have a helpful picture diagram that I thought made it easy... but no one ever told me there were definitive anatomical landmarks!!! I was told "smoke over fire," for black above red, and "clouds over grass" for white above green. But that was it.

Just FYI, according to Lippincott, here are the anatomical landmarks for the 5 leads. (OK - it actually says locations of leads to monitor a client in Lead III.)

WHITE (RA, right arm), 2nd intercostal space in the right midclavicular line

GREEN (RL, right leg), lower ribcage, 8th intercostal space, right midclavicular line

(my "clouds over grass")

BLACK (LA, left arm), 2nd intercostal space, left midclavicular line

RED (LL, left leg), lower ribcage, 8th intercostal space, left midclavicular line

(my "smoke over fire")

BROWN (V1), 4th intercostal space, right sternal border

(I have no clever phrase for this one)

Well, that was certainly informative!! I just hate to learn something for the first time while I am supposed to be reviewing for a test! LOL!

Does anyone else have a WHOA moment they would like to share from their NCLEX review?

[diamond_girl, BSN, RN]

"I love chocolate, so it's close to my heart." "Start with white on the right."

Just two more phrases that help me remember lead placement :-)