CCT Exercise Stress Testing 2

Question 1

What is the most important absolute contraindication to exercise stress testing?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction within the previous 2 days

Answer

Acute myocardial infarction within 2 days is an absolute contraindication because exercise increases myocardial oxygen demand and can extend the area of infarction or precipitate ventricular arrhythmias in the setting of acute ischemia.

Question 2

During the Bruce protocol, a patient achieves 85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate without symptoms or ECG changes. How is this test best interpreted?

Accepted Answer

The test is diagnostic — the patient achieved target heart rate without evidence of ischemia

Answer

Achieving 85% or more of the age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR) without developing symptoms or significant ECG changes constitutes an adequate and negative stress test, providing diagnostic certainty.

Question 3

A patient develops 3 mm of horizontal ST depression in lead V5 at peak exercise. What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

A positive stress test result suggesting myocardial ischemia

Answer

Horizontal or downsloping ST depression of 1 mm or more (measured 60-80 ms after the J point) is the diagnostic criterion for a positive stress test indicating myocardial ischemia. 3 mm is a strongly positive finding.

Question 4

Which finding during exercise stress testing is an indication for immediate test termination?

Accepted Answer

A drop in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mmHg below resting baseline despite increasing workload

Answer

A drop in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mmHg below the pre-exercise resting level during increasing workload (exertional hypotension) is an absolute indication for test termination because it suggests severe left ventricular dysfunction or outflow obstruction.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the recovery phase after a stress test?

Accepted Answer

To monitor for delayed ECG changes and hemodynamic recovery, and ensure patient safety

Answer

The recovery phase is a critical monitoring period where delayed ST changes or arrhythmias may appear, and where hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure) return to baseline, confirming the patient is stable to leave.

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT - Certified Cardiographic Technician Exam Practice Test

CCT Exercise Stress Testing 2