Medical supplies are the most important thing in a hospital. They are crucial to patient care and can be life-saving.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is also called an ECG, or electrocardiograph. An EKG can detect abnormal rhythms in your heart and help diagnose many types of heart conditions, including:
- Heart attack (or myocardial infarction)
- Heart failure
- Heart rhythm problems
- Congenital heart defects
- Cardiac arrest
- Aneurysms
- Arrhythmias
- Stroke (CVA)
Prepping for an EKG is a time-consuming process, but following the proper steps ensures medical staff administering an EKG are prepared and ready to go. EKG prep involves a checklist of supplies and sterilizing methods before the cardiac patient enters the room.
Prepping Supplies
Below is a list of supplies that you should have in order to prep for an EKG:
– Alcohol pads
– Gloves
– Disposable gowns
– Paper towels
– Glass container for the alcohol pads
– Sterile water
– Cotton balls
– CPR mask
– A backboard and straps
– Chest compressions device attached to a bag valve mask
Medical Staff Preparation
The following is a list of steps that medical staff should take for EKG prep:
1. Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
2. Put on gloves
3. Put on gown and mask if necessary
4. Perform a head-to-toe assessment to identify any potential contraindications to ECG (e.g., pacemaker, implanted defibrillator)
Once the room is sterilized and prepared, the patient needs to be prepared for the procedure by pre-op instructions, fasting, and wearing a gown.
