National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

Which of these is NOT a required measure for exercising tolerance tests after a cardiovascular incident?

1. Exercise to a workload capacity greater than 6 Metabolic Equivalents (METs).

2. Attain a heart rate greater than or equal to 85% of predicted maximum.

3. Have a rise in systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 20 mm Hg without angina.

4. Have no increase in diastolic pressure.

The correct answer is: Have no increase in diastolic pressure.

The measure that is not a required component for evaluating exercise tolerance tests after a cardiovascular incident is the absence of an increase in diastolic pressure. The primary focus during these tests is to monitor how the body responds to exercise and effort, including heart rate and systolic blood pressure responses. Attaining a specific workload capacity, such as greater than 6 METs, and achieving a heart rate of at least 85% of the predicted maximum are crucial indicators of cardiovascular fitness and recovery. Additionally, a rise in systolic blood pressure during exercise is generally expected and can indicate a positive response to stress, provided there are no concerning symptoms like angina. While monitoring diastolic pressure is important, there is no strict requirement that it must not increase; the focus is primarily on the systolic response and the overall heart rate. Therefore, having no increase in diastolic pressure is not a mandated criterion in the evaluation of exercise tolerance following a cardiovascular incident.