Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

For a patient with a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg, where should the right leg electrode be placed?

1. On the lower right abdomen

2. On the right thigh

3. On the back of the right knee

4. On the lateral aspect of the right foot

The correct answer is: On the lower right abdomen

For a patient with a below-the-knee amputation of the left leg, placing the right leg electrode on the lower right abdomen is appropriate due to the need for accurate electrical conduction and representation of the heart's activity. When an amputation occurs, especially in the lower extremities, the remaining limb can be used to create a proper electrical circuit. In this case, positioning the electrode on the abdomen helps ensure that the electrical signals are not distorted by the absence of the left leg and provides a consistent point of reference for the EKG recording. The abdominal placement is on the same horizontal plane as where the foot would normally be, thereby providing a more accurate electrical reading while avoiding any potential interference or complications related to the amputation site. Other locations such as the thigh, back of the knee, or lateral aspect of the foot may not provide the necessary clarity or stability for signal acquisition due to the specifics of the patient's condition, such as the absence of the left leg and possible anatomical variations. Placing the electrode on the abdomen circumvents these issues and allows for an effective EKG tracing.