Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms is least suggestive of the need for an ECG?

1. Chest pain

2. Fainting spells

3. Orthopnea

4. Fever

The correct answer is: Fever

The least suggestive symptom for the need for an ECG is fever. Fever typically indicates an infectious or inflammatory process rather than a direct cardiac concern. While fever can have systemic effects on the body, it does not inherently indicate a problem with the heart's electrical activity or structure that would necessitate immediate cardiac monitoring. In contrast, chest pain can signal various cardiac issues, including myocardial ischemia or an imminent heart attack, making an ECG crucial for assessment. Fainting spells are concerning for potential arrhythmias or other cardiac dysfunction, warranting an ECG to evaluate heart rhythm and function at the time of the event. Orthopnea, which is difficulty breathing when lying flat, can be indicative of heart failure or significant cardiac compromise; thus, an ECG would help rule out underlying cardiac problems associated with this symptom. Overall, fever lacks a direct relationship to cardiovascular status compared to the other options, making it the least relevant indication for performing an ECG.