Which of the following is a common cause of artifacts in an EKG reading?

Artifacts in an EKG reading typically arise from external interference or patient-related factors that disrupt the normal electrical activity being measured. Patient movement, which includes any unintentional movements such as shifting position, tensing muscles, or even breathing, can significantly affect the clarity of the EKG trace. These movements introduce noise and fluctuations in the baseline of the EKG waveform, leading to erroneous readings that can mimic or mask actual cardiac conditions.

In contrast, while increased heart rate, hyperkalemia, and higher blood pressure are important physiological factors that can influence heart function and EKG appearance, they do not directly cause artifacts. Increased heart rate might change the EKG rhythm, and hyperkalemia can lead to characteristic changes in the EKG waveform but is not a source of artifacts. Similarly, higher blood pressure can affect cardiac workload and perfusion but is not a direct cause of baseline fluctuations or noise in the EKG signal.