How to Place EKG Pads on the Chest

An EKG is a readout of an interpretation of the electromagnet energy coming from the heart. The EKG is fed this information from the body by way of leads, or specially designed wires that play flat on the body. The leads are held down by adhesive pads that stick to the skin and keep the leads in specific areas. For the most accurate reading, you must place the EKG pads and leads in the proper places on the chest.

Things You'll Need

• EKG chest pads
• EKG leads
• EKG machine

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Instructions

• 1

  Locate the sternum on the patient, and trace down to the bottom. Place the "V1" lead of the EKG on the patient's chest directly to the right of the bottom of the sternum. Place the "V2" lead to left of the sternum.

• 2

  Take two of the EKG pads and peel the back protective tape off of the pads. Place the pads over the middle of the leads and press down on the pads with light pressure. Place the "V3" lead one inch down and one inch to the left of the "V2" lead, and secure with another pad.

• 3

  Place the "V4" lead one inch down and one inch over from the "V3" lead so that the "V3" and "V4" leads make a kind of circle around the heart area. Place the "V5" and "V6" lead straight out and left of the "V4" one inch apart. Secure all leads with EKG pads.