NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareHard
A medical assistant is performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on an adult patient. Which of the following describes the correct placement for the V4 electrode?
- AFourth intercostal space, right sternal border
- BFifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
- CMidway between V2 and V4 on the left side
- DFourth intercostal space, left sternal border
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
Correct placement of ECG electrodes is critical for accurate readings. The V4 electrode is placed in the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the left side of the chest. This specific placement ensures proper recording of electrical activity from the left ventricle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes the placement for V1.
- C. This describes the placement for V3, which is positioned after V2 and V4 are determined.
- D. This describes the placement for V2.
ECG V4 Electrode Placement
The V4 electrode in a 12-lead ECG is placed at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. Precise placement is crucial for accurate diagnosis of cardiac conditions.
- V4: 5th ICS, left midclavicular line.
- V1: 4th ICS, right sternal border.
- V2: 4th ICS, left sternal border.
Memory trick: V1 to V6, a chest map to fix.