The nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an exercise stress test. Prior to reaching the target heart rate, the client develops chest pain. What is the nurse’s most appropriate interpretation of the chest pain?

A. Partial non-rebreathing mask:

This mask delivers higher concentrations of oxygen than a nasal cannula. It has a reservoir bag that allows the client to rebreathe some exhaled air, increasing the oxygen concentration delivered. However, it may not be necessary for a client with mild shortness of breath and slightly reduced oxygen saturation.

B. Simple (Oxy Plus) mask:

The simple mask provides a higher concentration of oxygen than a nasal cannula but lacks the reservoir bag found in the non-rebreathing mask. It is generally used for moderate oxygen needs. However, it might be more than what is required for a client with mild shortness of breath and slightly reduced oxygen saturation.

C. Nasal cannula:

Nasal cannulas are commonly used for clients with mild respiratory distress. They deliver a lower to moderate concentration of oxygen and are well-tolerated by most clients. They are suitable for individuals with mild shortness of breath and can be adjusted based on the required flow rate.

D. Non-rebreathing mask:

The non-rebreathing mask provides the highest concentration of oxygen among the options listed. It includes a reservoir bag to deliver a higher oxygen concentration. It is typically reserved for clients with higher oxygen requirements. For a client with mild shortness of breath and slightly reduced oxygen saturation, this may be more than necessary.

A. The patient pain reflects the target heart rate has been set too high and needs to be lowered to finish the test.

This option suggests that the chest pain is related to the target heart rate being set too high. However, chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than an inappropriate target heart rate. Lowering the target heart rate may not address the underlying issue of ischemia.

B. The patient’s pain reflects pericarditis and the test should be stopped.

Chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than pericarditis. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, and its symptoms may include chest pain that is often sharp and pleuritic. However, during an exercise stress test, the focus is on detecting cardiovascular abnormalities, and chest pain is more concerning for ischemia.

C. The patient’s pain reflects ischemia to the myocardium and the test should be stopped.

This is the most appropriate interpretation. Chest pain during an exercise stress test may indicate insufficient oxygen supply to the myocardium (ischemia). Stopping the test allows for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.

D. The patient’s pain reflects that supplemental oxygen is needed to finish the test.

Chest pain during an exercise stress test is not typically addressed by providing supplemental oxygen. Stopping the test and evaluating the cause of the chest pain is a more appropriate action.