Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Cardiovascular System Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Introduction to the Cardiovascular System related questions and content

The following clients are in need of exercise electrocardiography. Which client would the nurse indicate as most appropriate for a drug-induced stress test?

  • A. A 48-year-old policemen with history of knee replacement 4 years ago
  • B. A 68-year-old housewife with history of osteoporosis
  • C. A 72-year-old retired janitor obtaining a cardiac baseline
  • D. A 55-year-old recovering from a fall and broken femur
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: An exercise electrocardiography or stress test monitors the electrical activity of the heart while the client walks on a treadmill. If a client has a sedentary lifestyle or physical disability, cardiac medications may be administered to stress the heart similar to activity. Even though the client is middle aged at 55 years old, the client is recovering from a broken femur thus would be unable to have vigorous exercise. None of the other clients have a history which precludes them from exercise electrocardiography.