Interference during an EKG caused by the patient is called:

Interference during an EKG caused by the patient is called:

• A. Artifact
• B. Cardioversion
• C. Goniometry
• D. Vasodilation

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how patient-related interference appears on an EKG as artifacts. When a patient moves, talks, trembles, or has poor electrode contact, the electrical signals picked up by the leads can create extraneous patterns on the tracing that aren’t coming from the heart. These non-cardiac signals distort the rhythm and can mimic or obscure true cardiac activity. This kind of interference is specifically called an artifact because it originates from the patient or the placement/condition of the electrodes, not from the heart itself. That’s why the best match is artifact. Cardioversion is a medical procedure to restore normal heart rhythm, not an interference on the tracing. Goniometry measures joint angles, which is unrelated to EKG signals. Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, also not related to EKG interference. To reduce artifacts, ensure good electrode contact, minimize patient movement, and verify lead placement and skin preparation.

The concept being tested is how patient-related interference appears on an EKG as artifacts. When a patient moves, talks, trembles, or has poor electrode contact, the electrical signals picked up by the leads can create extraneous patterns on the tracing that aren’t coming from the heart. These non-cardiac signals distort the rhythm and can mimic or obscure true cardiac activity. This kind of interference is specifically called an artifact because it originates from the patient or the placement/condition of the electrodes, not from the heart itself.

That’s why the best match is artifact. Cardioversion is a medical procedure to restore normal heart rhythm, not an interference on the tracing. Goniometry measures joint angles, which is unrelated to EKG signals. Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, also not related to EKG interference. To reduce artifacts, ensure good electrode contact, minimize patient movement, and verify lead placement and skin preparation.