What should be performed on a patient prior to placing electrodes for an EKG?

Prior to placing electrodes for an EKG, it is crucial to prepare the patient's skin and environment to ensure accurate readings. Wiping the skin with alcohol helps to remove oils and debris, which can interfere with electrode adhesion and the conductivity necessary for obtaining clear EKG signals. Removing clothing above the waist provides unimpeded access for electrode placement, ensuring that leads can be positioned correctly and that there aren’t any barriers that could affect the electrical signals being recorded. Additionally, removing jewelry, especially metallic items, prevents interference with the EKG readings as they can introduce noise or artifacts in the tracing.

While other actions like ensuring the patient is upright or checking blood pressure might be relevant to the overall care and assessment of a patient, they do not specifically address the preparation needed for accurate EKG electrode placement. Understanding this preparation process is essential for obtaining reliable EKG results.