Manual

MONITORING
4
©2007-2013 Physio-Control, Inc. LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator Operating Instructions 4-13
Monitor displays dashes
(---) instead of heart rate
Heart rate is < 20 bpm • Use ECG printout to calculate
heart rate.
Heart rate is > 300 bpm • Use ECG printout to calculate
heart rate.
Pacing function is active • No corrective action needed.
Poor ECG signal quality Poor electrode-skin contact • Reposition cable or lead wires to
prevent electrodes from pulling
away from patient.
• Secure trunk cable clasp to
patient’s clothing.
• Prepare skin and apply new
electrodes.
Outdated, corroded, or dried-
out electrodes
• Check Use By date on electrode
packages.
• Use only unexpired silver/silver
chloride electrodes. Leave
electrodes in sealed pouch until
time of use.
Loose connection.
Damaged cable or connector/
lead wire
• Check or reconnect cable
connections.
• Inspect ECG and therapy cables.
Replace if damaged.
• Check cable with simulator and
replace if malfunction observed.
Noise because of radio
frequency interference (RFI)
• Check for equipment causing RFI
(such as a radio transmitter) and
relocate or turn off equipment
power.
Baseline wander
(low frequency/high
amplitude artifact)
Inadequate skin preparation • Prepare skin and apply new
electrodes.
Poor electrode-skin contact • Check electrodes for proper
adhesion.
Diagnostic frequency response • Print ECG in monitor frequency
response.
Fine baseline artifact (high
frequency/low amplitude)
Inadequate skin preparation • Prepare skin and apply new
electrodes.
Isometric muscle tension in
arms/legs
• Confirm that limbs are resting on
a supportive surface.
• Check electrodes for proper
adhesion.
Table 4-2 Troubleshooting Tips for ECG Monitoring (Continued)
OBSERVATION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION