Artifacts

additional electrical activity picked up by electrocardiograph.

with normal appearance of ECG cycles

MA

muscle, wandering baseline and alternating current

the machine may be broken

a fuzzy irregular baseline

involuntary muscle movement somatic tremor or voluntary muscule movement

reduce apprehension by explaining the procedure and that it is safe, make sure table is wide enough to support arms and legs, make sure room temp is comfortable or place a blanket over the patient

try tp record when tremor is at a minimum

loose electrodes or not firmly attached to clips, unsupported patient cable, body creams, oils at the electrode site

electrical interference

power leak from electrical appliances in room, lead wires not following body, wiring in the walls, ceilings, floors, improper grounding of ECG

make sure lead wires follow body, no dangling wires, unplug near by electrical equipment, move patient table away from walls, make sure plug is three prong, make sure plug is secure

small straight spiked lines that are consistent regular pattern)

metal tip of lad wire becoming detached from alligato clip, broken patient cable

replace patient cable or attach metal tip of lead wire to alligator clip