Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What intervention should an EKG technician expect the provider to prescribe for a patient experiencing heart palpitations?

1. Stress test

2. Holter monitor

3. Coronary angiogram

4. Electrophysiology study

The correct answer is: Holter monitor

For a patient experiencing heart palpitations, the appropriate intervention is to prescribe a Holter monitor. This portable device records the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, typically 24 to 48 hours. It allows clinicians to capture the rhythm and any irregularities that may coincide with the palpitations as experienced by the patient in their everyday life. The Holter monitor is particularly useful because palpitations can be sporadic, and a standard EKG taken in a clinical setting may not capture these brief episodes. By using a Holter monitor, the healthcare provider can analyze data over time, providing insights into the frequency, duration, and potential triggers of the palpitations. While other options like stress tests, coronary angiograms, and electrophysiology studies can be relevant for different cardiac conditions, they are more invasive or designed for specific circumstances. A stress test evaluates cardiac response under exertion, a coronary angiogram visualizes coronary artery blockages, and an electrophysiology study assesses electrical conduction pathways in the heart. Thus, the Holter monitor is the most suitable initial approach for monitoring the nature of heart palpitations.