Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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Which instrument is used to perform an electrocardiogram?

  1. Stethoscope

  2. Electrocardiograph

  3. Sphygmomanometer

  4. Pulse Oximeter

The correct answer is: Electrocardiograph

The instrument specifically designed to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the electrocardiograph. This device captures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, providing vital information about heart rhythm and function. An electrocardiogram is a crucial diagnostic tool that helps in detecting various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, and other heart-related issues. The other instruments listed serve different purposes in patient care. A stethoscope is used to listen to sounds within the body, particularly the heart and lungs, but does not provide the detailed electrical activity data that an electrocardiograph does. A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure, which is important for assessing cardiovascular health but is not related to electrical activity. A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, which aids in respiratory assessment but, again, does not provide information about the heart's electrical signals. Thus, the electrocardiograph is the only suitable instrument for conducting an electrocardiogram.