What is the term for regular spikes seen on an EKG due to electrical interference?

The term for regular spikes seen on an EKG due to electrical interference is AC interference. This phenomenon occurs when external electrical sources interact with the EKG machine or leads, causing a uniform pattern of spikes to appear on the tracing. AC interference typically emanates from nearby electrical devices, such as motors or fluorescent lights, which generate alternating current (AC) and can disrupt the EKG signal.

In the context of the other options, wandering baseline refers to a signal that drifts away from the centerline, often due to patient movement or poor electrode contact. An interrupted baseline involves irregularities caused by transient breaks in the electrical signal, often related to lead disconnection or contact issues. EKG lead placements refer to the proper positioning of electrodes on the patient's body to obtain accurate EKG readings, which is crucial for minimizing artifacts but isn't directly related to the specific pattern of spikes caused by electrical interference.