Final answer:
Prior to a stress test, a patient should avoid eating or drinking for 4-6 hours, wear loose and comfortable clothing, refrain from strenuous physical activity, and continue taking prescribed medications as usual.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant should provide the following instructions to a female patient prior to a stress test:
- Avoid eating or drinking for 4-6 hours before the test.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity prior to the test.
- Take any prescribed medications as usual.
These instructions help ensure that the test accurately reflects the heart's function under stress without interference from recent food intake, uncomfortable clothing, recent strenuous activity, or the absence of essential medications.