Being able to troubleshoot situations that arise during the ECG procedure is essential. Troubleshooting requires critical thinking. Critical thinking is the process of thinking through the situation or problem and making a decision to solve it. The problem-solving process includes the following steps:

1. Identify and define the problem.

2. Identify possible solutions.

3. Select the best solution.

4. Implement the selected solution.

5. Evaluate the results.

6. If, in step 5, you determine that the problem has not been solved, repeat steps 2 through 5 until an acceptable solution is reached

While performing an ECG, you may need to troubleshoot actual or potential complications using the steps of the problem-solving process. These problems may arise from the patients condition, patient communication, equipment failure, or other complications. For example, suppose that you are about to perform an ECG, and the patient refuses to let you attach the lead wires. As part of troubleshooting, you ask the patient why she is refusing. The patient states, I do not want that electricity going through me! In a calm manner, you explain that the machine does not produce or generate electricity, and it is not harmful. After your explanation, the patient agrees to have the ECG. You have performed successful troubleshooting.

The previous example concerns a problem with communication. However, you may also need to troubleshoot problems that occur with the equipment or tracing produced. Throughout this text, the Troubleshooting boxes will provide a variety of problems or situations you may encounter and then ask for your solution. Use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to answer each question. In each chapter, review the What Should You Do? questions to check your ability to think critically and troubleshoot.