Nursing Journal Ecg
Nursing Journal Ecg
Nursing Journal Ecg
Electrocardiography is the most commonly used test for evaluating cardiac status, graphically records
the electrical current (electrical potential) generated by the heart. This current radiates from the heart in
all directions and, on reaching the skin, is measured by electrodes connected to an amplier and strip chart
recorder. The standard resting ECG uses five electrodes to measure the electrical potential from 12
different leads; the standard limb leads (I,II,III), the augmented limb leads (aVf, aVL, and aVr), and the
precordial, or chest, leads (V1 through V6).
ECG tracings normally consist of three identifiable waveforms: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T
wave. The P wave depicts atrial depolarization; the QRS complex, ventricular depolarization; and the T
wave, ventricular repolarization.
Computerized ECG machines use small electrode tabs that peel off a sheet and adhere to the patient’s
skin. The entire ECG tracing is displayed on a screen so abnormalities can be corrected before printing;
then it’s printed on one sheet of paper. Electrode tabs can remain on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs to
provide continuous lead placement for serial ECG studies.
Reference: https://nursingcrib.com/medical-laboratory-diagnostic-test/electrocardiography-ecg/