Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

How many leads are placed on a patient when applying a Holter monitor?

1. 3

2. 5

3. 10

4. 12

The correct answer is: 5

A Holter monitor typically uses five leads to accurately record the heart's electrical activity over a specified period, which allows for comprehensive monitoring of cardiac rhythms and any potential abnormalities. The standard configuration generally includes multiple leads placed on specific areas of the chest to capture a variety of data points. While there are different types of ECG devices and configurations, the five-lead setup is widely used in holter monitoring for its balance of coverage and simplicity in data acquisition. This allows the healthcare provider to assess the heart's function continuously, often over 24 to 48 hours, giving insight into arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions that may not manifest during a standard electrocardiogram conduct. Other configurations, such as 3, 10, or 12 leads, are typically associated with different types of ECG tests rather than Holter monitoring. For example, a 12-lead ECG provides a more detailed view of the heart's electrical activity at a single point in time, often in a clinical setting. Therefore, the 5-lead system for Holter monitors is specifically tailored for continuous, prolonged monitoring, which is essential for identifying intermittent cardiac issues.