Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

At what percentage of their target heart rate can stress tests be stopped?

1. 75%-90%

2. 85%-95%

3. 85%-100%

4. 90%-100%

The correct answer is: 85%-100%

In the context of stress tests, they are typically conducted to evaluate a patient's cardiovascular response to exercise and can be stopped once the target heart rate is reached. The common guideline for terminating a stress test is at 85% of the patient's estimated maximum heart rate; however, under certain circumstances and types of tests, a target heart rate of up to 100% can be considered, especially when testing athletic individuals or in a controlled setting where the patient's health allows for it. Reaching up to 100% of maximum heart rate can provide important information about cardiovascular performance and the patient's ability to tolerate stress. Thus, the range of 85% to 100% encompasses a commonly accepted threshold for when to conclude a stress test, making it the correct choice. The other ranges, while they may seem relevant, do not fully align with the clinical guidelines for stress test termination, as they either fall short of the full potential maximum heart rate that may be safely assessed in select populations or suggest a narrower range that has less applicability in practical settings.