Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College of Nursing

NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)

Electrocardiogram

I. Description:

An electrocardiogram — abbreviated as EKG or ECG — is a test that

measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical
impulse (or “wave”) travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to
squeeze and pump blood from the heart. A normal heartbeat on ECG will show the
timing of the top and lower chambers.

II. Materials/Equipment Needed:

 Electrodes (sensors)
 Gauze and skin prep solution (as approved by facility)
 Razor or clippers and a roll of tape (for hair removal)
 Skin adhesive and/or antiperspirant
 EKG paper (if machine is required to provide a hard copy)

III. Procedure:
1. Place the patient in a supine or semi-Fowler’s position.
2. Expose the chest, ankles, and wrists.
3. Place electrodes on the inner aspect of the wrists, on the medical aspect
of the lower legs, and on the chest.
4. After all electrodes are in place, connect the lead wires.
5. Press the START button and input any required information.
6. Make sure that all leads are represented in the tracing. If not, determine
which electrode has come loose, reattach it, and restart the tracing.
7. All recording and other nearby electrical equipment should be properly
grounded.
8. Make sure that the electrodes are firmly attached.
 IV. Diagram/Illustrations:

V. Nursing Responsibilities:
1. Disconnect the equipment, remove the electrodes, and remove the gel
with a moist cloth towel.
2. If the patient is having recurrent chest pain or if serial ECG’s are ordered,
leave the electrode patches in place.
3. Obtain a list of current meds and the time of administrations.
4. Teach methods to relieve anxiety and remain relaxed.
5. If the patient needs to be transported to the ECG department, transport
him on a trolley; never allow him to walk till diagnosis is confirmed.
6. To prevent unnecessary disturbance from the bystanders keep them away
from patient.
7. Check the ECG machine is functioning properly.
8. After each use the electrode plates should be thoroughly cleansed with
soap and water.

Reference/s:

 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/DiagnosingaHeartAttac
k/Electrocardiogram-ECG-or-EKG_UCM_309050_Article.jsp#.WYW6goSGPIU
 https://ekg.academy/learn-ekg?courseid=319&seq=3
 http://shs-manual.ucsc.edu/policy/electrocardiogram-procedure

August 9, 2017 Concesa B. Gayo RN MAN

Date Clinical Instructor

Prince Mark B. Badillo

III-A