Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of artifacts in an EKG tracing?

1. Patient movement

2. Electrode displacement

3. Electrical interference

4. Incorrect lead placement

The correct answer is: Patient movement

Patient movement is considered the most common cause of artifacts in an EKG tracing. When a patient shifts, moves, or tenses during the recording, it can create extra signals on the EKG that do not reflect the heart's activity. This results in jagged lines or irregular patterns on the tracing, which can complicate the interpretation of the EKG. The identification of these artifacts is crucial because they can easily mimic arrhythmias or other cardiac issues, leading to misinterpretation. By ensuring patients remain as still as possible during EKG procedures, technicians can reduce the likelihood of these movement-related artifacts, thereby improving the accuracy of the readings. Other factors like electrode displacement, electrical interference, and incorrect lead placement can also introduce artifacts, but patient movement tends to be more prevalent due to the natural behaviors of individuals during the test.