The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a cardiac stress test at 1100. When the nurse enters the client's room at 0800, the client requests toast or at least some coffee. What is the best response?
Explain that no food or drink is allowed for 4 hours before the stress test.
Ask the client's visitor to bring some coffee from the cafeteria for the client.
Make up a small breakfast tray from what is available on the unit.
Offer hot tea or coffee only.
The Correct Answer is A
The best response by the nurse would be to explain that no food or drink is allowed for 4 hours before the stress test.
The reason for this restriction is that consuming food or drink can affect the accuracy of the cardiac stress test results. Eating or drinking can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially altering the test's interpretation. It is important for the client to have an empty stomach to ensure accurate test results.
Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the best responses:
Asking the client's visitor to bring some coffee from the cafeteria for the client: This option goes against the restriction of no food or drink before the stress test. It is important to adhere to the guidelines provided to ensure accurate test results.
Making up a small breakfast tray from what is available on the unit: Similarly, providing breakfast to the client goes against the restriction of no food before the stress test. The client should have an empty stomach for the test.
Offering hot tea or coffee only: While hot tea or coffee might be tempting for the client, it still violates the requirement of no food or drink before the stress test. The client should only be allowed to consume water during the fasting period.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
ST-segment elevation during exercise stress testing is a concerning finding that may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It can be a sign of myocardial ischemia or coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that allows direct visualization of the coronary arteries and helps identify any blockages or narrowing that may be causing the ST-segment elevation.

Here's an explanation of why the other options are not the most appropriate procedures:
Transesophageal echocardiogram: Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic test that involves inserting a probe into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart. It is not typically used to evaluate ST-segment elevation, which primarily indicates coronary artery issues rather than structural abnormalities.
Telemetry monitoring: Telemetry monitoring involves continuous monitoring of a patient's heart rhythm and can be used for various cardiac conditions. While telemetry monitoring may be necessary for ongoing cardiac assessment, it is not a specific procedure to address the ST-segment elevation found during the exercise stress test.
Pharmacologic stress test: A pharmacologic stress test is an alternative to an exercise stress test for patients who cannot exercise. It involves administering medications that stimulate the heart to mimic the effects of exercise. While a pharmacologic stress testcan also reveal ST-segment changes, the presence of ST-segment elevation usually requires further evaluation with a more invasive procedure like cardiac catheterization.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 32 beats/min and accompanying hypotension and symptoms of feeling faint indicates significant hemodynamic compromise. In such cases, the first-line intervention is to provide external cardiac pacing through transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads. TCP can help increase the heart rate and improve cardiac output by delivering electrical impulses to the heart.
Administering the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem), a calcium channel blocker, is not appropriate in this situation. Diltiazem can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure, exacerbating the client's symptoms and potentially leading to adverse effects.
Repositioning the patient on the left side or having the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver are not effective interventions for treating sinus bradycardia with hemodynamic compromise. These actions may be used in specific situations, but in this case, the client requires immediate intervention to address the low heart rate and blood pressure.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
