Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Certified EkG technician (CET) Exam with practice questions and flashcards. Each question is accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Maximize your potential for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What could cause an interrupted baseline in an EKG tracing?

Patient movement
Lead corrosion or dirty leads
Normal electrode placement
Electrolyte imbalance

The correct answer is: Lead corrosion or dirty leads

An interrupted baseline in an EKG tracing is primarily caused by issues related to the integrity of the electrodes and leads used during the test. When the leads are corroded or dirty, it can create interference in the electrical signals being transmitted from the heart to the EKG machine. This interference disrupts the baseline, leading to erratic or irregular readings. Maintaining clean, well-functioning leads is crucial for obtaining an accurate EKG. If the leads are not in proper condition, they can contribute to artifacts and variations in the baseline, making it difficult to interpret the heart's electrical activity correctly. Therefore, ensuring lead cleanliness and proper connection is essential for clear EKG results.