What position should the patient be placed in when performing an ECG?

When performing an electrocardiogram (ECG), the patient should be placed in a supine position, which means lying flat on their back. This position is optimal for obtaining accurate and consistent electrical readings from the heart. Being supine allows for easy placement of the ECG electrodes on the chest and extremities without any interference that could be caused by movement, gravity, or pressure on the body.

In contrast, sitting, prone, or standing positions could compromise the leads' placement, potentially leading to artifacts or inaccurate readings due to muscle tension or body movements. Therefore, the supine position is universally recommended to ensure that the heart's electrical activity is measured properly, providing the healthcare provider with clear and precise data for interpretation.