Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice exam

The immediate response to a patient developing a 2nd degree AV block during a stress test is to stop the test immediately. This response is crucial because a 2nd degree AV block can indicate significant impairment in the electrical conduction system of the heart, which could lead to more severe arrhythmias or complications. By halting the test, the patient's safety is prioritized, allowing for a thorough evaluation by medical personnel who can assess the situation and determine the appropriate follow-up actions. In a stress test setting, any sign of significant arrhythmias, especially ones involving the AV node like a 2nd degree block, necessitates stopping the procedure. Continuing the test could exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to more serious cardiac events. Other options, such as backing the stage or continuing while watching the rhythm, would put the patient at unnecessary risk. Sending the patient for a permanent pacemaker might be considered later, depending on the evaluation outcome, but immediate cessation of testing is essential to ensure the patient's well-being.