Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
Which explanation by the nurse should best alleviate anxiety in a client with coronary artery disease about having a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnostic procedure?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The ECG uses painless electrodes that are applied to the chest and limbs. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and it requires the client to lie still; therefore, option 2 is incorrect. The ECG measures the heart's electrical activity to determine rate, rhythm, and a variety of abnormalities. Options 1 and 4 are factual statements, but they are not stated to reduce anxiety.