Title: Identify the steps required for obtaining a cardiac monitoring procedure.
Course: Patient Care Technician (14051-III) > Section: Understanding the Role of the Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Identification should include

- a physician’s order
- patient/client identification according to the National Safety Standards
- assembling appropriate equipment
- providing patient/client instruction
- preparing and positioning a patient/client for testing
- placing electrodes on a patient/client appropriately for the test (e.g., stress, Holter, telemetry)
- using additional resources as needed for specific diagnostic tests (e.g., blood pressure cuff, treadmill, Holter monitor)
- educating a patient/client regarding behavior throughout the test.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are two things that a PCT should ask to verify a patient/client’s identity according to National Safety Standards?
- What items will be on a testing requisition?
- What implant devices must be documented if a patient/client has them listed on a requisition form?
- What are the different techniques for ECG monitoring?
- What is the correct method to prepare the skin?
- What is the correct placement of color-coded electrodes?
- What is the purpose of the Holter monitor?
- What are special considerations and safety concerns for Holter monitoring?