Stress Testing Procedures Flashcards

During a treadmill stress test, at what point should the technician immediately stop the test without waiting for physician approval?

Answer: ST elevation of 2mm or more in non-infarct leads

ST elevation of ≥2mm in non-infarct leads is an absolute indication for immediate termination due to high risk of acute MI.

What is the standard Bruce Protocol starting speed and grade for a treadmill stress test?

Answer: 1.7 mph at 10% grade

Stage 1 of the standard Bruce Protocol begins at 1.7 mph and 10% grade, progressing in 3-minute stages.

Which electrode position is most prone to artifact during treadmill exercise stress testing?

Answer: Limb leads placed on the torso

Limb leads repositioned to the torso (Mason-Likar modification) are more susceptible to motion artifact from arm and trunk movement.

A patient's blood pressure drops 10 mmHg from baseline during increasing exercise workload. This finding is called:

Answer: Exercise-induced hypotension

A drop of ≥10 mmHg in systolic BP from baseline during increasing exercise is called exercise-induced hypotension and is an indication to stop the test.

During pharmacologic stress testing with dobutamine, which arrhythmia finding is a reason to terminate the infusion?

Answer: Sustained ventricular tachycardia

Sustained ventricular tachycardia during dobutamine infusion is a serious arrhythmia that requires immediate termination of the test.

The recovery phase of a stress test is typically monitored for how long after exercise ends?

Answer: At least 6–8 minutes

The recovery phase is monitored for at least 6–8 minutes because ischemic ECG changes or arrhythmias can appear or worsen after exercise stops.

Which Borg Scale rating corresponds to 'somewhat hard' effort during a stress test?

Answer: 13

A Borg Scale rating of 13 corresponds to 'somewhat hard,' and is commonly used to gauge patient exertion during stress testing.