Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:41 AM AWST

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Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Perform electrocardiography (ECG)

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCA401C
State Code
D5812
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/03/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
01/08/2011
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
01/08/2011
Nominal Hours
90
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine and to provide a client's ECG trace
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare electrocardiography machine for use
  • 1.1 CheckECG machine is in good working order
  • 1.2 Store ECG leads in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
2. Prepare client for ECG procedure
  • 2.1 Receive and process the request for an ECG in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
  • 2.2 Identify the client correctly following the organisation's guidelines for preventing client misidentification
  • 2.3 Reassure and provide complete information regarding the ECG procedure appropriately
  • 2.4 Involve the client fully in discussions about their treatment using language they can understand
  • 2.5 Provide the client with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
  • 2.6 Record client information
  • 2.7 Review client medical history and address pre-existing conditions
  • 2.8 Obtain and document consent following ethical and legal requirements
3. Attach ECG electrodes
  • 3.1 Maintain the client's privacy and dignity throughout procedure
  • 3.2 Complete preparation of client's skin for electrode placement as required
  • 3.3 Position the client correctly and comfortably and place electrodes in accordance with client's needs and current standards
  • 3.4 Attach leads correctly and double check lead placement
  • 3.5 Advise supervisor or an appropriate person if you think a client may be at risk
4. Produce an ECG trace
  • 4.1Produce trace and check for interference, wandering baseline and amplitude
  • 4.2 Repeat trace if interference, increased amplitude or wandering baseline is identified
  • 4.3 Identify and action abnormal ECG patterns which require immediate medical attention
  • 4.4 Forward trace to cardiologist or requesting medical officer for reading
  • 4.5 Record test details according to department and organisation procedures
5. Complete ECG process
  • 5.1 Remove ECG leads and electrodes from client
  • 5.2 Provide client with assistance as required, on completion of procedure
  • 5.3 Clean ECG leads and electrodes on completion of procedure in accordance with infection control guidelines
  • 5.4 Dispose of disposable ECG electrodes and other materials in accordance with waste management procedures
  • 5.5 Store ECG machine accordance with manufacturer's specifications and OHS policies and procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C9120 HLTCA401B Perform electrocardiography (ECG) Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WD079 HLTCA401D Perform electrocardiography (ECG) Unit of competency
No information