Which aspect of EKG readings is affected by electrical interference?

The correct answer, regarding how electrical interference impacts EKG readings, is baseline stability. The baseline on an EKG strip represents the heart's electrical inactivity, and when there is electrical interference, the baseline can become distorted. This distortion can create fluctuations or noise in the tracing, making it difficult to interpret the underlying cardiac rhythm accurately.

In a clinical setting, recognizing a stable baseline is crucial for analyzing and diagnosing heart conditions. A stable baseline ensures that any abnormalities in heart rhythm or waveform can be clearly identified.

Other aspects, such as BPM measurement and waveform clarity, can indeed be influenced by interference, but they are more secondary effects. While electrical interference might cause variations in the perceived BPM or reduce clarity in specific waveforms, the primary and more noticeable impact is the disruption of the baseline, leading to difficulty in interpretation. Lead placement accuracy is more concerned with the proper positioning of the electrodes, which, if incorrect, can independently affect EKG readings without directly relating to electrical interference.