Where is Lead II placed on the body, and what are its charges?

Lead II is an electrode placement used in electrocardiography (ECG) to record the electrical activity of the heart. In Lead II, the positive electrode is placed on the left leg, and the negative electrode is placed on the right arm. This configuration allows the electrical impulses generated by the heart to be measured from a specific angle, which typically runs from the right arm to the left leg.

The positive charge on the left leg serves to detect the more positive voltages generated by the heart as it contracts, while the right arm, being the negative electrode, provides a reference point. This placement is beneficial for monitoring the heart's rhythm and can help identify abnormalities in cardiac function.

In terms of charges, placing the left leg as positive and the right arm as negative aligns with the principles of creating a bipolar lead, where the difference in charge between these two electrodes provides valuable information about the heart's activity.

Understanding the correct placement and charge configuration of Lead II is crucial for accurate ECG interpretation and effective patient assessment.