ABSTRACT
The examiner may show any electrocardiogram (ECG) during the station and ask the students to interpret it, but remember the majority of the points are for the procedure rather than the data interpretation. This station really is easy points if the students just take their time and concentrate on lead placement. It is also an essential skill to be able to perform, since there are often occasions in hospital medicine where the students may be the only person around to record an ECG. Expose the patient adequately, whilst preserving their dignity. Ideally the skin surface should be clean and hair-free to ensure adequate electrode contact. If the students are likely to need serial ECGs, leave the electrodes attached to prevent lead position variations. Note on the trace whether the patient was experiencing symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.
