What must patients do for preparation before an EKG?

For an EKG (electrocardiogram), patients need to remove jewelry and disrobe from the waist up to ensure accurate readings. Jewelry can interfere with the lead placement and the sensor's ability to properly detect the electrical impulses of the heart. Disrobing from the waist up allows for the correct placement of the electrodes on the chest and can be crucial for obtaining a clear and precise tracing of the heart's activity. Proper electrode placement is essential for an accurate EKG, as any obstruction caused by clothing or accessories could lead to misleading results.

In contrast, while wearing a hospital gown may seem practical, it isn't strictly necessary as long as the electrodes are properly placed. Fasting before an EKG is not required; such tests focus on the heart's electrical activity rather than related to digestion. Similarly, drinking plenty of water before the test is unnecessary and doesn't influence the EKG results, unlike the physical preparation that includes removing clothing and jewelry.