To maximize patient safety during cardiopulmonary stress testing, ...

[lak]

To maximize patient safety during cardiopulmonary stress testing, which of the following pre-cautions would you recommend?
 
  1. Immediate availability of a crash cart
  2. Staff training in emergency life support
  3. Presence of a physician throughout testing
  4. Patient physical exam or ECG before testing
  a. 1, 2, and 3 only
  b. 1, 2, 3, and 4
  c. 1 and 3 only
  d. 3 and 4 only

Question 2

In preparing an outpatient for a cardiopulmonary stress test to be conducted the next day, which of the following instructions would you provide?
 
  1. The patient should fast for at least 8 hr before testing.
  2. The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing and sneakers.
  3. The patient should stop all medications at once.
  4. The patient should review the drugs with the physician.
  a. 1, 2, and 3 only
  b. 2 and 4 only
  c. 1, 2, 3, and 4
  d. 1, 2, and 4 only

[IRincones]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
To minimize patient risk during exercise evaluation, certain safety measures are implemented. First, the patient should undergo a physical examination just before the test, including a resting ECG. Second, a qualified physician should be present throughout the entire test. Third, emer-gency resuscitation equipment (cardiac crash cart with monitor, defibrillator, oxygen, cardiac drugs, suction, and airway equipment) must be readily available. Fourth, staff conducting and assisting with the procedure should be certified in basic and advanced life support techniques. Finally, the test should be terminated promptly whenever indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
With regard to test preparation, patients should fast 8 hr before the procedure. If the purpose of the test is to formulate an exercise prescription, the patient can take his or her regular medica-tions. The patient should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and footwear with adequate traction for treadmill or ergometer activity. The mouthpiece or face mask used during the test should be sized properly and fit comfortably with no leaks.