Final answer:
Wandering baseline on an EKG can be caused by inadequate electrode adhesion. Other factors include electrode placement over bony areas and patient's improper breathing, while a regular heart rhythm is not typically a cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
An EKG technician should recognize that wandering baseline artifact on an EKG tracing can result from inadequate electrode adhesion. A wandering baseline refers to fluctuations in the tracing away from the baseline, which can be due to poor contact between the skin and the electrodes or electrode movement, causing the appearance of a shifting baseline on the EKG.
Other factors contributing to a wandering baseline may include electrode placement over bony areas, where there is less tissue to secure the electrode, and patient's improper breathing, which can cause somatic tremor artifacts due to chest movement. However, a patient's regular heart rhythm would not typically cause this type of artifact. Proper electrode preparation, placement, and patient relaxation are important for minimizing the risk of introducing artifacts into an EKG tracing.