ABSTRACT
Introduces self and confirms patient’s name and date of birth Explains the need for an ECG and the procedure, and seeks permission Positions and exposes the patient adequately Applies stickers in the correct positions on the chest wall and limbs, ensuring good skin contact Attaches ECG leads to the stickers correctly Records a technically sound ECG Labels ECG correctly Removes stickers from the patient and ensures that the patient is made comfortable Cleans hands by washing or using alcohol gel Interprets ECG correctly States intention to file ECG in medical notes
Examiner global rating
KEY For recording an ECG, your patient should be rested and sitting at 45° with his/her chest, arms and ankles exposed. The positions of the leads are:
V1 – 4th intercostal space to the right of the sternum V2 – 4th intercostal space to the left of the sternum V3 – in the middle of V2 and V4 V4 – 5th intercostal space in the midclavicular line V5 – in the same horizontal plane as V4 but in the anterior axillary line V6 – in the same horizontal plane as V4 and V5 but in the midaxillary line
The limb leads are placed on the shoulders and thighs or ankles.
