Cardiovascular Tests

Question 1

Echocardiogram purpose

Answer 1

Diagnose and monitor heart conditions

Question 2

ECG method

Answer 2

Procedure explained and consent gained.
Patient lays on left hand side
Electrodes stuck to the patient’s chest.
Gel applied to the transducer and performs an ultrasound on the chest.
Moving image of the heart is produced on a monitor.

Question 3

Types of ECG

Answer 3

Transthoracic- through the chest.

Transoeophageal- through the throat

Stress- done before and after exercise.

Question 4

Limitations of ECG

Answer 4

Patient could be uncomfortable and stress ECG could cause dizziness or chest pain.

Question 5

Blood pressure purpose

Answer 5

Diagnose hyper or hypotension. Monitor heart conditions.

Question 6

Blood pressure method.

Answer 6

Explain procedure and ask consent.
Cuff placed around patient’s bicep, bladder leading down the brachial artery.
Patient’s arm should be resting perpendicular to the table with their palm upwards.
Machine is turned on, cuff inflates, takes reading and then deflates.

Question 7

Blood pressure results

Answer 7

Average should be 120/80. Systolic pressure on top, diastolic on bottom.

Question 8

Limitations of BP test

Answer 8

If cuff does not fit, readings could be over or underestimated.
If patient has eaten or done exercise then BP may be inaccurate.

Question 9

Vascular function tests

Answer 9

Usually use ultrasound to assess the health and functionality of blood vessels.