What is a common cause of artifact on an ECG tracing?

A common cause of artifact on an ECG tracing is indeed related to patient movement or loose electrodes. Artifacts are non-cardiac signals that can distort the true representation of the heart's electrical activity on an ECG. When a patient moves during the ECG recording, or if the electrodes are not securely attached to the skin, they can produce noise or erratic waveforms that do not accurately reflect the heart's impulses. This can lead to misleading interpretations and may require the technician to repeat the ECG for an accurate assessment. By ensuring that the patient remains still and the electrodes are properly placed, technicians can minimize the occurrence of artifacts, leading to a clearer and more reliable tracing.