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If none of the leads are giving a reading, which limbs should the technician check first?

  1. Left arm

  2. Left leg

  3. Right arm

  4. Right leg

The correct answer is: Right leg

In the scenario where none of the leads are providing a reading, the technician should first check the right leg lead. The right leg is often designated as a ground lead in EKG setups, meaning it serves an essential role in stabilizing the electrical signals being measured by the other leads. If there is an issue with the right leg lead, such as poor connection or detachment, it could result in a complete lack of readings across all leads. While the left arm, left leg, and right arm leads are also important for accurate EKG readings, they are typically more reliant on the reference established by the ground lead. Therefore, addressing the right leg lead first is crucial in troubleshooting any potential issues with the overall EKG readings. This structured approach helps isolate the problem efficiently and ensures that the technician can restore functionality to the EKG machine promptly.