A registered nurse is making pre-procedure phone calls to clients scheduled for cardiac pharmacologic nuclear stress testing the following day. Which instructions should the nurse give the clients? Select all that apply.

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A pharmacologic nuclear stress test utilizes vasodilators (eg, adenosine, dipyridamole) to simulate exercise when clients are unable to tolerate continuous physical activity or when their target heart rate is not achieved through exercise alone. These drugs produce vasodilation of the coronary arteries in clients with suspected coronary heart disease. A radioactive dye is injected so that a special camera can produce images of the heart. Based on these images, the health care provider (HCP) can visualize if there is adequate coronary perfusion. Pre-procedure client instructions include the following: Do not eat, drink, or smoke on the day of the test (NPO for at least 4 hours). Small sips of water may be taken with medications (Option C). Avoid caffeine products 24 hours before the test (Option B). Avoid decaffeinated products 24 hours before the test as these contain trace amounts of caffeine (Option A). Do not take theophylline 24-48 hours prior to the test (if tolerated). If insulin/pills are prescribed for diabetes, consult the HCP about appropriate dosage on the day of the test. Hypoglycemia can result if the medicine is taken without food (Option E). Some medications can interfere with the test results by masking angina. Do not take the following cardiac medications unless the HCP directs otherwise, or unless needed to treat chest discomfort on the day of the test: Nitrates (nitroglycerine or isosorbide) Dipyridamole Beta blockers (Option D) Educational objective: Clients scheduled for cardiac nuclear pharmacologic stress testing should not eat, drink, or smoke on the day of the test; avoid both caffeinated and decaffeinated products for 24 hours before the test; and avoid taking theophylline or antianginal medications unless otherwise instructed by the health care provider.

A Registered Nurse Is Making Pre-Procedure Phone Calls to Clients