What does a wandering baseline on an EKG typically indicate?

A wandering baseline on an EKG typically indicates patient movement. This phenomenon occurs when there is interference that causes the baseline of the EKG to fluctuate rather than remain steady. When a patient moves during the recording, it can create artifacts in the signal, leading to a baseline that appears to wander, as the electrical impulses from the heart may not be captured accurately.

While other factors such as poor lead placement could potentially affect the quality of the EKG, in this specific instance, the wandering baseline is most closely associated with patient movement. The continuous movement can shift the electrodes or create tension in the leads, thereby affecting the readings. Recognizing and addressing patient movement is crucial for obtaining a clear and accurate EKG reading for proper diagnosis and treatment.