What is usually the cause of interrupted baseline artifact?

Interrupted baseline artifact is primarily caused by a poor connection between the electrodes and the skin, which can occur when the skin is not properly prepared. Oily skin or the use of lotion can create a barrier that impedes the effective transmission of electrical signals from the heart to the electrodes. This barrier can lead to fluctuations in the baseline of the EKG tracing, resulting in a disrupted or interrupted appearance.

The interrupted baseline is typically characterized by abrupt changes in the waveform, often resembling a flat line or jagged movements that do not reflect the heart's electrical activity. This occurs because the electrode cannot maintain a consistent contact with the skin due to the oily residue, causing signal loss or interference.

Proper skin preparation, including cleaning and drying the area where electrodes will be placed, is essential to minimize such artifacts. Consequently, understanding how skin condition affects electrode function is critical for accurate EKG readings.