Page 1672 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

monitor and an electrocardiographic
tracing is recorded continuously over a
period of 24 hours or more while the
client performs her or his activities of
daily living.
b. The monitor identifies dysrhythmias if
they occur and evaluates the
effectiveness of antidysrhythmics or
pacemaker therapy.
2. Interventions
a. Instruct the client to resume

normal daily activities and to maintain
a diary documenting activities and any
symptoms that may develop for
correlation with the
electrocardiographic tracing.
b. Instruct the client using a wired
monitor to avoid tub baths, showers,
or swimming, because they will
interfere with the electrocardiographic
recorder device.
R. Echocardiography
1. Description
a. This noninvasive procedure is based on
the principles of ultrasound and
evaluates structural and functional
changes in the heart.
b. Used to detect valvular abnormalities,
congenital heart defects, wall motion,
ejection fraction, and cardiac function.
c. Transesophageal echocardiography
may be performed, in which the
echocardiogram is done through the
esophagus to view the posterior
structures of the heart; this is an
invasive exam and requires
preparation and care similar to
endoscopy procedures.
2. Interventions: Advise the client to lie still, breathe
normally, and refrain from talking during the test.
S. Exercise electrocardiography testing (stress test)
1. Description
a. This noninvasive test studies the heart
during activity and detects and
evaluates coronary artery disease.
b. Treadmill testing is the most commonly
used mode of stress testing.

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