Lab 3: Exercising ECGs

Question 1

List the data we will be interested in for the exercising ECG lab.

Answer 1

• Workload
• HR
• ECG activity
• BP
• RPE

Question 2

List the roles of group members during the exercising ECG lab.

Answer 2

• Test administrator
• ECG tech
• BP tech
• RPE scale tech
• Subject

Question 3

Describe the role of the test administrator before the GXT, during the GXT, and in an emergency.

Answer 3

Before:

• Make sure team has all necessary background info
• Choose testing mode, protocol, and pre-determined end point (calculate predicted max HR)
• Explains protocol and obtains informed consent

During:

• Oversees execution of protocol (determines when to progress workload, informs subject when they advance workload, physically changes workload)
• Records data
• Call for termination of test if end-point is reached or termination criteria are present
• Supervise recovery period

Emergency:
-Call 911

Question 4

How do we determine the subject’s predicted max HR?

Answer 4

85% (220 - age in years)

Question 5

Describe the role of the ECG tech before the GXT, during the GXT, and in an emergency.

Answer 5

Before:

• Obtain resting ECG
• Prep subject for exercising ECG

During:

• Continuously monitor ECG for indications of disease
• Collect 12-lead at end of every stage
• Collect 1 pg rhythm strip at end of every minute
• Label each page w/ subject’s name and phase of test

Emergency:
-Continue to monitor ECG and record any changes

Question 6

Describe the role of the BP tech before the GXT, during the GXT, and in an emergency.

Answer 6

Before:

• Measure supine, seated, and pre-exercise (on mode) resting BPs
• Mark location of artery and secure BP cuff in place w/ tape

During:
-Measure BPs at end of every stage

Emergency:

• Stays w/ subject and monitor condition
• Perform CPR

Question 7

What does the BP tech need to do in order to accurately measure exercising BP? Why?

Answer 7

Fully support the weight of the arm to minimize muscle tension

Question 8

When using a treadmill, what does the BP tech need to do in order to accurately measure BP? Why?

Answer 8

Move up and down in time w/ the subject to further reduce muscle tension

Question 9

When using a bike, what does the BP tech need to do in order to accurately measure exercising BP?

Answer 9

Remove subject’s hand from handlebar so noise from the bike doesn’t transfer to the stethoscope

Question 10

Describe the role of the RPE tech before the GXT, during the GXT, and in an emergency.

Answer 10

Before:
-Explain how scale works

During:

• Monitor subject for changes in appearance of responsiveness that indicate poor exercise tolerance
• Note responses and stage and time that they occur
• At end of each minute, record subject’s RPE and any pain they are experiencing

Emergency:

• Go get first aid and AED kits
• Assist BP tech w/ CPR

Question 11

Describe the role of the subject before the GXT, during the GXT, and in an emergency.

Answer 11

Before:

• Inform testing team of their health and fitness history
• Understand risks and benefits of participation in GXT
• Understand protocol

During:

• Perform test to the best of their abilities
• Communicate any probs or symptoms

Emergency:
-Remain calm and communicate

Question 12

How does the RPE scale work?

Answer 12

Subject rates their perception of the level of intensity of the exercise using either a 6-10 Borg scale or a modified 1-10 scale

Question 13

How does the pain scale work?

Answer 13

1-4 scale used for muscular or orthopedic pain as well as angina