Which step is crucial before applying electrodes for an EKG?

Before applying electrodes for an EKG, drying the chest is crucial to ensure optimal adhesion and conductivity. Moisture on the skin can interfere with the electrode's ability to make a good connection, leading to poor signal quality or inaccurate readings.

When the chest is properly dried, the electrodes can effectively interface with the skin, minimizing the risk of artifact or noise in the EKG tracing. Ensuring the skin is dry helps the conductive gel or adhesive on the electrodes work effectively, enhancing the overall performance of the EKG recording.

While other factors like shaving chest hair may be relevant for patients with excessive hair, they are not universally necessary for every patient and primarily address issues of adhesion and clarity. Measuring blood pressure and checking the heart rate are important assessments in a clinical setting but are not directly related to the preparatory steps for electrode application.