Question

During a treadmill test, a client complains of leg cramping but feels that she will be able to finish the test. What is the MOST appropriate course of action?

A. Monitor her progress closely and stop the test if her pain worsens
B. Allow her to complete the test, as treadmill tests measure cardiorespiratory fitness, not muscular endurance
C. Stop test immediately and possibly refer client to her primary healthcare professional
D. Have her rest for a few minutes and rehydrate before continuing the test from the stopping point

Answer 1

The most appropriate action when a client experiences leg cramping during a treadmill test is to closely monitor and stop the test if pain worsens. Given the severity of symptoms in the case study, stopping the test and referring the client to a healthcare professional is advisable.

Step-by-step explanation:

During a treadmill test, if a client complains of leg cramping but feels that she will be able to finish the test, the most appropriate course of action is to monitor her progress closely and stop the test if her pain worsens. It is essential to prioritize the client's safety and well-being. In deciding whether to continue or halt the test, the exercise professional should evaluate the severity of the symptoms and consider the possibility of an underlying condition that may be aggravated by continued exertion. In the case of Jasmin's scenario, where symptoms are not just limited to muscle cramping but include extreme fatigue, spasms, leg heaviness, blurry vision, and vomiting, it would be prudent to stop the test immediately and advise her to consult with her primary healthcare professional due to the seriousness and the range of her symptoms.