Question

CRITICAL THINKING:

Kelley went to the Emergency Room complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath. Her ECG results were normal, and she was released with the instruction to make an appointment at your office within a week. The physician has ordered stress testing for Kelley, but she tells you that her symptoms have passed and she doesn’t want to do it. What can you say to convince her to follow the doctor’s orders?

Answer 1

You should explain the need and steps of procedure.

• Kelly had chest pain and shortness of breath which may be a sign of cardiac disease
• A normal ECG doesn't mean you are free from any cardiac disease
• If blood flow to the cardiac muscles decrease it result in chest pain and breathing difficulty. And there may not be any changes in ECG.
• Mild chest pain is a early sign body shows in cardiac disease and we should take it seriously and give attention.
• Stress test which ordered by physician is a non invasive test.
• The test identifies the changes in blood flow to the heart muscles during exercise (treadmill)
• Some electrodes will be placed and ECG will be monitored during exercise.
• The test doesn't harm you and you are assessing your hearts health which is a necessary because you had a episode of chest pain a week ago.