Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which of the following can cause artifact in an electrocardiogram?

1. Patient stability

2. Alternating currents

3. Consistent sensor application

4. Proper electrode placement

The correct answer is: Alternating currents

Artifact in an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) refers to unwanted signals or distortions that can interfere with the accurate interpretation of the heart's electrical activity. The presence of alternating currents, which are often generated from electrical equipment or devices operating in proximity to the ECG machine, can contribute significantly to these artifacts. This interference can manifest as noise or irregular deflections in the recorded trace, making it challenging to discern the true cardiac signals. In contrast, factors such as patient stability, consistent sensor application, and proper electrode placement are essential practices that help minimize artifacts. A stable patient tends to produce a clearer signal with fewer extraneous movements that could affect the readings, while correctly applied and placed sensors ensure reliable contact with the skin, reducing the likelihood of noise or signal distortion. Thus, while proper technique and patient management reduce artifact, alternating currents are a direct source of interference that can indeed disrupt the accuracy of an ECG reading.