12 lead EKG question

[sdmedic42]

What is the main reason why a pt needs to be put from a sitting position into a semi-supine/supine position to do a 12 lead EKG?? Thanks

[scratrat]

It keeps the leads from hanging down. It makes it easier to obtain the tracing. If they are sitting upright, it will sometimes pull the leads off.

[firedoc5]

Try to put them in the most comfortable and relaxed position so they are not tensed up.

[Mateo_1387]

Position of the patient is important because other positions may cause the heart to move. Think about when you are listening to heart tones, you want your patient to sit forward so that the heart is closest to the ribs. The closeness to the ribs helps the practitioner to hear the heart tones. Just the patient sitting up in the same position you would listen to heart tones can causes reading of the EKG to change. One change can be axis deviation. Take for example a patient who does not have axis deviation. It is possible for axis deviation to show up on the EKG while the patient is sitting up or leaning forward, but would not appear when the patient is laying properly.

[triemal04]

Position of the patient is important because other positions may cause the heart to move. Think about when you are listening to heart tones, you want your patient to sit forward so that the heart is closest to the ribs. The closeness to the ribs helps the practitioner to hear the heart tones. Just the patient sitting up in the same position you would listen to heart tones can causes reading of the EKG to change. One change can be axis deviation. Take for example a patient who does not have axis deviation. It is possible for axis deviation to show up on the EKG while the patient is sitting up or leaning forward, but would not appear when the patient is laying properly.

Actually, in my case it was the opposite; laying down I showed RAD and sitting up didn't. Got the nurse all worked up though. Go figure.

[Kaisu]

Tense muscles will quiver, causing artifact. When the patient lies down, muscles relax and a better tracing can be obtained.

[MSDeltaFlt]

What is the main reason why a pt needs to be put from a sitting position into a semi-supine/supine position to do a 12 lead EKG?? Thanks

Also laying down will give you access to properly place the ECG leads. Proper placement is everything.

[iMac]

So up or down? I had never heard of this before. It seems like either sitting up or supine are the 2 ways of doing it. Very interesting thread.

[firedoc5]

So up or down? I had never heard of this before. It seems like either sitting up or supine are the 2 ways of doing it. Very interesting thread.

Which ever way they are most comfortable. Unless they are a trauma patient.

[iMac]

Excellent post.