How should skin be prepared for EKG lead placement on a patient with sensitive skin?

When preparing skin for EKG lead placement, especially for a patient with sensitive skin, it is important to enhance the conductivity while minimizing irritation. Gently abrading the skin helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, which can improve the electrical connection between the skin and the electrodes. This process creates a better interface for signal transmission, leading to clearer readings on the EKG.

While other methods, such as using oil-based cleaners or cold gel, may be beneficial in different contexts, they do not address the specific challenge of ensuring good electrical contact in patients with sensitive skin. Using saline or wetting the skin can also help with conductivity but may not effectively prepare the skin by removing any barriers that impede the electrical signal. Gently abrading the skin, however, directly targets the issue and is a reliable technique for improving lead placement outcomes in sensitive patients.