NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is preparing to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) on an adult patient. Which of the following is the correct placement for the V4 electrode?
- AFourth intercostal space, right sternal border
- BFifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
- CFourth intercostal space, left sternal border
- DMidway between V2 and V4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line
Proper placement of ECG electrodes is crucial for accurate readings. The V4 electrode is specifically placed at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line, to record electrical activity over the apex of the heart.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes the placement for the V1 electrode.
- C. This describes the placement for the V2 electrode.
- D. This describes the placement for the V3 electrode, which is midway between V2 and V4.
ECG V4 Electrode Placement
The V4 electrode on an electrocardiogram is placed at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line, to capture electrical activity of the heart's apex.
- Crucial for accurate ECG readings.
- Specific anatomical landmark.
- Records activity over the apex of the heart.
Memory trick: V-Leads: R-Sternal, L-Sternal, Mid-V2/V4, Mid-Clav, Ant-Axil, Mid-Axil