Which factor is least likely to create EMG artifact interference during nerve monitoring?

Using neuromuscular blocking agents is least likely to create EMG artifact interference during nerve monitoring. These agents are designed to inhibit the transmission of impulses at the neuromuscular junction, which reduces voluntary muscle contractions that can lead to EMG artifacts. When neuromuscular blockers are administered, muscle action potentials are suppressed, leading to cleaner, more precise readings that are less likely to be affected by physiological muscle activity.

In contrast, increasing stimulus intensity can lead to stronger muscle contractions, potentially generating more noise and artifacts in the EMG signal. Improper electrode placement can result in poor signal quality and increased interference, as the electrodes may pick up electrical activity from unintended muscle sites or have a suboptimal connection to the target nerve or muscle. Changing the stimulation site can also introduce variability and potential artifacts if new areas are less optimally positioned for monitoring, or if their response characteristics differ significantly from the original site, leading to confusion in the interpretation of signals.

In summary, the use of neuromuscular blocking agents contributes to reducing EMG artifacts, making it the least likely factor to interfere with nerve monitoring during procedures.