Role of the nurse in ergospirometry testing

    Authors

    Keywords

    ergospirometry testing, nurse

    DOI

    https://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2018.486

    Full Text

    Cardiopulmonary exertion testing (CPET) is a non-invasive diagnostic method for monitoring of cardiopulmonary response to the load. This test enables evaluation of the function and capacity of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic system. ( 1 ) Therefore, ergospirometry has become an important clinical tool for assessing physical ability in patients with heart failure and other cardiorespiratory conditions. Ergospirometry test is considered the gold standard in testing of the functional abilities of cardiorespiratory system and planning individualized physical activity for patients undergoing cardiologic rehabilitation. The nurse has an integral role in the implementation of ergospirometry testing. In addition to helping patients manage their cardiovascular problems, her tasks are also the proper preparation of the room, equipment, and patient for an optimal test performance. During the test, occurrence of symptoms/complications such as fatigue, heart arrhythmia and syncope are possible. Therefore, the nurse working in the ergospirometry laboratory should know very well indications and contraindications for the test and should be skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Much of the sister’s work in ergospirometry takes place long before the diagnostic test is carried out. Continuous education, development of medical and psychological skills is an integral part of work and progress in the ergometric laboratory.

    Cardiologia Croatica
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    Role of the nurse in ergospirometry testing

    Extended Abstract
    Issue11-12
    Published
    Pages486
    PDF via DOIhttps://doi.org/10.15836/ccar2018.486
    ergospirometry testing
    nurse

    Authors

    Mare Silić Kirhmajer*ORCIDCroatia

    Full Text

    Cardiopulmonary exertion testing (CPET) is a non-invasive diagnostic method for monitoring of cardiopulmonary response to the load. This test enables evaluation of the function and capacity of the cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic system. ( 1 ) Therefore, ergospirometry has become an important clinical tool for assessing physical ability in patients with heart failure and other cardiorespiratory conditions. Ergospirometry test is considered the gold standard in testing of the functional abilities of cardiorespiratory system and planning individualized physical activity for patients undergoing cardiologic rehabilitation. The nurse has an integral role in the implementation of ergospirometry testing. In addition to helping patients manage their cardiovascular problems, her tasks are also the proper preparation of the room, equipment, and patient for an optimal test performance. During the test, occurrence of symptoms/complications such as fatigue, heart arrhythmia and syncope are possible. Therefore, the nurse working in the ergospirometry laboratory should know very well indications and contraindications for the test and should be skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Much of the sister’s work in ergospirometry takes place long before the diagnostic test is carried out. Continuous education, development of medical and psychological skills is an integral part of work and progress in the ergometric laboratory.