DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS FORMAT

Patient’s Diagnosis Myocardial Infarction

Date Ordered: 02-04-21 Date Performed: 02-04-21
Name of Diagnostic and Laboratory Exam: Electrocardiogram
Purpose of the Study: This test is done to the patient to identify the structure and function of the heart.
BEFORE: Nursing Responsibilities Rationale
1. Check the doctor’s order. To verify what examination to be done to the
patient. Verification of order prevents potential
errors.
2. Identify the patient. Checking identification ensures client safety through
concept of correct procedure for correct client.
3. Provide privacy and explain the procedure to Explanation of procedure protects client's rights and
the client. Explain that the test records the encourages participation in care.
heart's electrical activity and that it may be
repeated at certain intervals. Emphasize that
no electrical current will enter the body. Tell
the client that the test typically takes about 5
minutes.
4. Obtain an informed consent properly signed. To provide sufficient information.
5. Perform hand hygiene. Handwashing reduces transfer of microorganisms
6. Instruct patient to lie supine position with The position increases client comfort. Relaxing arms
arms at his sides. Expose the arms and legs and legs reduce trembling and creates a better
and cover the client appropriately. tracing.
7. Raise the head of the bed to promote comfort
8. Select flat, fleshy area to place the limb lead Tissue conducts current more effectively than bone,
electrode, avoid muscular and bony areas. which produces a better tracing.
9. Clean excess oil or other substance from the To enhance electrode contact.
skin with alcohol pad and if an area is
excessively hairy, clip it.
10. Attach the adhesive electrode tabs to the skin To have an accurate result.
where electrode wires will be fastened.
Ensure proper placement of the electrodes
11. Ask patient to lie still and not to talk, breath Having client relax and remain still will produce a
normally and relax. better tracing.
DURING:
12. Observe the tracing quality. To provide information about whether the heart
muscle cells are conducting electricity appropriately
AFTER:
13. Disconnect the lead wires from the To prevent the electrode from rusting prematurely
electrodes, then remove the electrodes from
the client’s skin. Clean and dry the electrode
as per manufacture instruction.
14. Assist the client to a comfortable position. Repositioning of bed promotes client safety.
Ensure the bed is in a low position
 15. Perform hand hygiene. To prevent cross contamination

16. Attached the results to the chart. In order for the physician to evaluate.
17. Document the procedure. For legal purposes.

Analysis of the Result:

The result shows that there is occasional premature ventricular contractions and ST elevation in leads II, III,
aVF, V5, V6 due to damage to the heart muscle. When there is damage to the heart muscle, the injured
myocardial cells depolarize normally but repolarize more rapidly than normal cells, causing ST segment to
rise. Therefore, an elevation in the ST segment is a key diagnostic indicator for myocardial infarction. And
due to scarring that interferes with the heart’s normal electrical impulses causes occasional premature
ventricular contraction.