Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Full-length
When a client questions the nurse as to the purpose of exercise electrocardiography (ECG) in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders, the nurse's response should be based on the fact that:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The purpose of the study is not to provide a baseline for further tests. The test causes an increase in O2 demand beyond that required to perform usual daily activities. Monitoring does occur, but the test is not for the purpose of cardiac toning and conditioning. Exercise ECG, or stress testing, is designed to elevate the peripheral and myocardial needs for O2 to evaluate the ability of the myocardium and coronary arteries to meet the additional demands.