Identify the steps required for obtaining a cardiac monitoring procedure.

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?