What position should the patient be in when obtaining an EKG?

The supine position, where the patient lies flat on their back, is optimal for obtaining an EKG. This position allows for easy access to the chest, ensuring proper placement of the electrodes for accurate readings. In this position, the heart is in a consistent orientation relative to the leads, which can lead to more reliable data and less interference caused by movement or body position changes.

When a patient is supine, there is also a decreased risk of the electrodes being misplaced due to body movements or shifting, which can happen if the patient is sitting, standing, or lying on their side. Sitting upright can sometimes affect heart dimensions and lead placements, while standing or lying on the side could introduce variability in the EKG results due to body positioning. Thus, the supine position is the standard practice for optimal EKG recording.