Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

When dealing with a pediatric patient whose chest is too small to accommodate all the standard ECG leads, it is essential to make adjustments that maintain the integrity of the ECG readings. Moving lead V3 to the right side of the chest at the same location as it would normally be placed on the left is a sound practice because lead V3 is typically positioned between V2 and V4 in the standard placement. By relocating it symmetrically, you ensure that the important electrical activity of the heart is still effectively captured while accommodating the smaller size of the pediatric patient's chest.

This approach helps to provide a clearer and more valid representation of the heart's electrical activity, which is critical for accurate analysis and diagnosis. It maintains the positioning of leads as much as possible relative to their intended anatomical locations, thus preserving the overall configuration needed for a reliable interpretation of the ECG, even when dealing with the unique challenges posed by pediatric patients.