User's Manual

8-21
ECG Troubleshooting Guide
Clinical Situation Possible Cause Solution
AC noise ■ Display resolution set to extended mode
(0.05 to 150 Hz).
■ Select monitor mode (0.5 - 40 Hz).
■ Electrodes dry. ■ Repeat skin preparation and apply new
moist electrodes.
■ Patient cable entwined with other
electrical devices.
■ Separate patient cable from all other cables.
Baseline wanders ■ Patient moving excessively. ■ Use stress loops to secure lead wires and
cable to the patient.
■ Respiration artifact. ■ Select another lead or reposition the
electrodes.
■ Electrodes dry. ■ Repeat skin preparation and apply new
moist electrodes.
Low amplitude ECG ■ Skin improperly prepared. ■ Abrade skin and reapply electrodes.
■ Lead selected not showing QRS
complex with greatest amplitude.
■ Check 12-lead ECG to determine better
monitoring lead and reposition electrodes.
■ Electrodes could be positioned too near
bone or muscle mass.
■ Select another lead or reposition electrodes.
Module won’t learn ■ ECG signal too noisy for initialization. ■ Improve signal quality by repeating skin
preparation and/or repositioning electrodes.
■ ECG voltage below threshold. ECG
VOLTAGE TOO LOW message may be
displayed.
■ Perform the following steps as needed.
1. Check cables, lead wires and
electrodes, then relearn patient rhythm.
2. Change lead or reposition electrodes.
No ECG trace ■ Improper attachment of ECG connector
cable to the module/or leads off.
■ Remove, then re-plug the connector into the
module or reconnect the leads.
■ LEDs flashing on front panel of module. ■ Call a qualified service person.
■ Module is not seated into the monitor or
remote housing.
■ Remove, then reinsert the module or
exchange the module.
Excessive alarms ■ Electrodes dry. ■ Repeat skin preparation and apply new
moist electrodes.
■ Alarm limits set too close to patient’s
normal heart rate.
■ Readjust alarm limit.
■ Excessive interference: patient cable or
wires routed too close to other electrical
devices.
■ Reroute cables and leads.
■ Excessive patient movement or muscle
tremor.
■ Reposition electrodes and use stress loops
to secure lead wires and cable to the
patient.