ELECTROCARDIOGRAM( ECG)

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

MACHINE PREPARATION:
• Connect the portable unit to an exam room
computer’s USB port.
• Snap lead attachment into base of portable unit.
• Open the correct patient’s visit note and confirm
nursing order, if needed.
PATIENT PREPARATION:
• Explain to the patient the need to lie still, relax,
and breathe normally during the procedure.
• Note current cardiac drug therapy on the test
request form as well as any other pertinent clinical
information, such as chest pain or pacemaker.
• Explain that the test is painless and takes 5 to 10
minutes.
• Assure patient there is no danger or pain
involved.
• Have the patient remove clothing above the
waist and don in a cloth gown opening to
the front.
• Make the patient comfortable lying down on the
exam table.
• Expose the arms and legs. If necessary shave the
electrode areas before cleaning the exposed skin
with alcohol for proper electrode adhesion.
 DURING THE PROCEDURE

Limb Sensor Application

Connect the lead wires to the
electrodes. The tip of each lead
wire is lettered and colored
coded for easy identification.
• The red or RA lead wire goes
to the right arm.
• The yellow or LA lead wire
goes to the left arm.
• The black or N/RL lead wire
goes to the right leg.
• The green or LL lead wire
goes to the left leg.
 Chest Sensor Application
Place the 6 Chest sensors on the patient’s chest as
follows:

• V1 Fourth intercostal space at right border of the

sternum
• V2 Fourth intercostal space at left border of the
sternum
• V3 Midway between position V2 and position V4
• V4 At the mid-clavicular line in the fifth intercostal
space
• V5 At the anterior axillary line on the same horizontal
level as V4
• V6 At the mid-axillary line on the same horizontal level
as V4 and V5
Attach the chest leads
• Ask the patient to lie still and not to talk, breath
normally and relax when recording ECG.
• Machines have a display screen so that you can
preview waveforms before the machine records
them on paper.
• Press print button, observe the tracing quality.

The machine will record all 12 leads automatically,

recording three consecutive leads simultaneously.
 AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• Remove the electrodes and clean the clients skin
• After disconnecting the lead wires from the electrodes,
CLEAN & DRY the electrodes as per manufacture
instruction.
• Assist the client to a comfortable position.
• Ensure the bed is in low position.
• Remove any remaining equipment and wash your hands.
• Label ECG recording with
1. Patients name
2. Medical record number
3. Date
4. Time
5. Signature
6. Document the procedure in nurses notes.
ULTRASOUND OF THE WHOLE
ABDOMEN
 NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
BEFORE
• Before an ultrasound, the woman needs a good
explanation of what will happen. Also tell her that
it is safe for the father of the baby to remain in
the room during the test.
• To ensure that the mother has a full bladder at
the time of the procedure, she should drink a full
glass of water every 15 minutes beginning an hour
and a half before the procedure.
• Instruct the mother not to void before the
procedure.
DURING
• Explain to patient the procedure and its
purpose.
• The ultrasound technician may apply a clear gel
to the skin in order to help the transducer more
freely over the body.
• Ask the patient to relax while the procedure is
going on.
AFTER
• Allow mother to void, or inform that she may
resume your regular diet, unless told otherwise by
your doctor
• Allow the mother to take home a photograph of
the sonogram image which can enhance bonding
because it is a proof that the pregnancy exists and
that the fetus appears well.