Prior to running an EKG tracing, which of the following is the final step a medical assistant should take to ensure the tracing will be clear with a horizontal baseline?

The final step a medical assistant should take to ensure that the EKG tracing will be clear with a horizontal baseline is to double-check the electrodes' attachment. Proper electrode placement is essential for obtaining an accurate EKG reading. If the electrodes are not securely attached or if they are placed incorrectly, this can lead to noise and artifacts on the tracing, which can obscure the underlying heart rhythms and make the interpretation more challenging.

When the electrodes are firmly and correctly attached to the patient's skin, they create a good electrical connection that allows the EKG machine to capture and display the heart's electrical activity accurately. This is crucial for achieving a clear tracing with a horizontal baseline, which is a starting point for the measurements of heart activity that will follow. Ensuring proper electrode attachment directly contributes to high-quality EKG results.