User's Manual

Ultraview Care Network
8-6
Patient Preparation and Electrode Application
To set up for ECG monitoring, first attach lead wires to the patient cable or
telemetry transmitter. Match the color-coding on the patient cable or telemetry
transmitter to the lead wire color.
Next, attach each electrode to its lead wire before applying the electrodes to the
patient. Figure 8-1 displays the correct procedure for applying electrodes to a
patient. Be sure to press firmly around the entire edge of the adhesive surface. Do
not apply pressure over the gel column itself as this may trap air or displace the
conductive gel, which may degrade the signal significantly. Gel displacement
arising from attaching the electrode to the lead wire after applying the electrode to
the patient may also degrade the signal.
Electrodes should be placed over flat, non-muscular areas of the body to minimize
muscle artifact (refer to Figure 8-2 and Figure 8-3). This is particularly important
for telemetry patients who are commonly ambulatory. If necessary, after the
electrodes and lead wires have been attached, tape a stress loop (a loop of lead
wire close to the electrode that minimizes stress or pulling on the electrode itself.
Stress-looping significantly improves ECG signal quality, particularly for
ambulatory patients.
ECG monitoring begins when the module detects a signal via connection of an
ECG patient cable to the module or by installation of a battery in a telemetry
transmitter.
ECG monitoring requires the following minimum conditions:
• ECG electrodes must be properly attached the patient and lead wires must
be properly attached to the patient cable or telemetry transmitter.
• The patient cable must be connected to the module or telemetry transmitter.
• The module must be connected to a monitor that is powered ON.
Telemetry ECG monitoring requires the following additional minimum conditions:
• The telemetry transmitter must have a functional battery.
• The telemetry receiver module must be tuned to the telemetry transmitter’s
frequency (channel number).
• The telemetry receiver module must be connected to a Spacelabs Medical
diversity antenna.
• Refer to Assigning a Telemetry Channel on page 17-14 for more information.
Figure 8-1: Electrode application
1. Attach electrode to lead wire. 2. Apply electrode to skin.
To prepare the patient:
1 Wash area with soap and water.
2 If necessary, shave the area
where you plan to position the
electrodes.
3 Clean the skin with alcohol.
4 Dry the skin thoroughly.
5 Abrade the skin.
To apply ECG electrodes:
1 Attach electrode to lead wire.
2 Apply electrode to patient skin.