Question

A patient has a prescription to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hr. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of home care instructions?

1) "I can turn the Holter monitor off in order to shower or bathe"
2) "I should record spontaneous symptoms unrelated to an activity"
3) "I should not replace electrodes that come loose"
4) "I should avoid daily activities that might trigger heart abnormalities"

Answer 1

The correct statement that indicates an understanding of the home care instructions for a Holter monitor is, "I should record spontaneous symptoms unrelated to an activity". Patients should continue their daily activities and should not turn off the device or replace loose electrodes.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient who demonstrates an understanding of home care instructions for a Holter monitor would state, "I should record spontaneous symptoms unrelated to an activity". It is crucial for a patient to wear the device continuously for the prescribed period, typically 24 hours, to ensure an accurate electrocardiogram (ECG) reading. The Holter monitor, which is a portable version of an electrocardiograph, records the heart's electrical activity during the patient's normal routine without interrupting daily activities unless they are specifically prohibited by a healthcare provider. Patients typically should not turn the device off for showering or bathing, should not replace electrodes that may come loose, and are encouraged to engage in their typical activities unless instructed otherwise.