Question

You are monitoring a 53 year-old patient during a treadmill stress test. Which finding will require the most immediate action?

a. Blood pressure of 152/88 mmHg
b. Chest pain rated as a "2" on a 0-10 scale
c. Sinus tachycardia at 134 beats/minute
d. Oxygen saturation of 91%

Answer 1

Chest pain during a stress test could indicate a serious cardiac event and requires immediate action, whereas others are expected changes or less alarming findings.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a treadmill stress test in a 53-year-old patient, the finding that would require the most immediate action is chest pain rated as a "2" on a 0-10 scale. While the other options including a blood pressure of 152/88 mmHg, sinus tachycardia at 134 beats/minute, and oxygen saturation of 91% are notable findings, chest pain during a stress test could indicate myocardial ischemia, which is an emergency situation requiring immediate cessation of the test and further medical evaluation. Pressure changes can be anticipated during exercise, but chest pain is not a normal response and could signify a significant cardiac event such as a heart attack.