Under which of the following conditions would you recommend ending a cardiopulmonary exercise evaluation?
1) Electrocardiogram indicating sinus tachycardia
2) 10% fall from baseline oxyhemoglobin (HbO₂) saturation
3) Fall in systolic blood pressure of more than 20 mm Hg
4) Request from the patient to terminate the test

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

2, 3, and 4 are valid reasons to consider ending a cardiopulmonary exercise evaluation. A 10% fall from baseline oxyhemoglobin saturation indicates significant oxygen desaturation, a fall in systolic blood pressure of more than 20 mm Hg can indicate cardiovascular instability, and a patient's request to terminate the test should always be respected for safety and ethical reasons. Sinus tachycardia, however, is a normal response to exercise and not typically a reason to end an evaluation.

Under Which of the Following Conditions Would You Recommend Ending