Which adjustment on an ECG machine might improve reading accuracy?

Setting the paper speed correctly on an ECG machine is crucial for improving reading accuracy because it directly affects the representation of the electrical activity of the heart over time. The paper speed determines how fast the ECG tracing moves across the graph paper, enabling precise measurement of intervals and segments between heartbeats. If the speed is too slow, the tracing may bunch up, making it difficult to discern individual beats and intervals. Conversely, if the speed is too fast, it may compress the data into a smaller space, losing detail and making it more challenging to analyze.

When the paper speed is set appropriately, it allows healthcare professionals to accurately assess heart rhythm, rate, and any abnormal patterns present, which is vital for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions. Other adjustments, such as switching electrode types, increasing the patient's heart rate, or changing lead configurations, may not necessarily enhance the overall accuracy of the ECG readings in the same direct manner as proper paper speed. These latter options could affect the quality of the signal or interpretation but are not foundational to the accurate representation of the heart's electrical activity on the paper.