EKG Stress Testing & Holter Monitoring Flashcards
6 cards from real EKG certification Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 EKG Stress Testing & Holter Monitoring flashcards as text
During a cardiac stress test, what is the primary reason for monitoring the ST segment on the EKG?
Answer: To detect exercise-induced myocardial ischemia
ST segment depression during exercise is the hallmark EKG finding that indicates myocardial ischemia due to inadequate coronary blood flow.
A patient wearing a Holter monitor reports feeling palpitations at 3:15 PM but the diary entry is missing. What feature of the Holter system helps correlate symptoms?
Answer: The event marker button pressed by the patient
The event marker button allows patients to flag the exact time they experience symptoms, enabling correlation with the recorded rhythm strip.
What is the target heart rate formula most commonly used to determine adequate stress during an exercise stress test?
Answer: 220 minus the patient's age
The age-predicted maximum heart rate is calculated as 220 minus age, and the target is typically 85% of this value for a diagnostic test.
Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to performing an exercise stress test?
Answer: Acute myocardial infarction within the past 2 days
Acute MI within 2 days is an absolute contraindication because exercise could extend the infarct zone and cause life-threatening arrhythmias.
A Holter monitor recording reveals frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) occurring in a pattern of one PVC every third beat. What is this pattern called?
Answer: Trigeminy
Trigeminy is the pattern where a PVC occurs every third beat, following two normal sinus beats in a repetitive cycle.
During a pharmacologic stress test using adenosine, which side effect should the EKG technician expect and prepare for?
Answer: Transient chest tightness and flushing
Adenosine commonly causes transient chest tightness, flushing, and brief AV conduction delays that resolve quickly due to its ultra-short half-life.