What can improve the quality of an EKG tracing on a patient?

Removing excess oils from the skin using a wipe or dry cloth can significantly enhance the quality of an EKG tracing. Oils and skin debris can create a barrier between the skin and the electrodes, leading to poor contact and potentially inaccurate readings. By effectively cleaning the skin, the electrode can adhere better, allowing for clearer and more reliable electrical signals from the heart to be captured.

In addition, while applying direct pressure to electrodes may seem helpful, it can sometimes lead to discomfort for the patient and does not directly address issues of skin cleanliness or contact quality. Asking patients not to talk helps minimize motion artifacts, but it doesn't improve the electrode's contact with the skin itself. Cleaning electrodes with alcohol can be beneficial for removing dirt or residue, but if the skin itself is not clean, the alcohol application may not be enough to achieve optimal contact.

Overall, using a wipe or dry cloth to remove oils directly targets the primary issue that interferes with the quality of an EKG tracing, which is the establishment of proper electrical contact between the electrode and the skin.