CVT Stress Testing Protocols 3

Question 1

Which ECG finding during stress testing is considered a POSITIVE test for ischemia under standard ACC/AHA criteria?

Accepted Answer

≥1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST depression 80 ms after the J-point

Answer

Horizontal or downsloping ST depression of ≥1 mm measured 80 ms after the J-point is the standard positive criterion for exercise-induced ischemia.

Question 2

In dobutamine stress echocardiography, which dose range is typically used to achieve peak stress?

Accepted Answer

20–40 mcg/kg/min

Answer

Dobutamine is titrated from 10 mcg/kg/min up to 40 mcg/kg/min (with atropine added if needed) to achieve 85% of maximum predicted heart rate.

Question 3

A patient undergoing a Bruce protocol reaches Stage III. Approximately how many METs has this patient achieved?

Accepted Answer

10 METs

Answer

Stage III of the Bruce protocol (3.4 mph at 14% grade) corresponds to approximately 10 METs of oxygen consumption.

Question 4

What is the recommended minimum duration for the post-stress ECG monitoring period?

Accepted Answer

At least 6–8 minutes or until abnormalities resolve

Answer

Post-exercise monitoring should continue for at least 6–8 minutes or until ECG changes and symptoms fully resolve, as late findings are diagnostically important.

Question 5

Which heart rate target is used to define an adequate pharmacologic stress with regadenoson or adenosine for nuclear imaging?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate response is NOT the endpoint; vasodilation itself is the stressor

Answer

Vasodilator agents like adenosine and regadenoson induce coronary hyperemia directly and do not require a heart rate endpoint the way exercise or dobutamine testing does.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

CVT Stress Testing Protocols 3