ATS Pulmonary Function Laboratory Manual

chapter 18

Test Procedure for 6 MWT

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Step Action “In a moment I’m going to tell you to stop. When I do, just stop right where you are and I will come to you.” When the timer rings, say: “Stop!” Walk over to the patient (consider taking a chair if he/she looks exhaust- ed). Mark the spot where the patient stopped by placing a bean bag or piece of tape on the floor. Note: If the patient stops during the test, and needs to rest, say, “You can lean against the wall if you would like; then continue walking whenever you feel able.” Do not stop the timer. If the patient stops before the 6 minutes are up and refuses to continue (or you decide that they should not continue), take a chair over the patient to sit on, discontinue the walk, and note on the worksheet the distance, the time stopped, and reason for stopping prematurely. 5. If using a pulse oximeter the Sp O 2 and pulse rate should be continuously monitored. 6. Record the post-walk dyspnea score using the Borg scale. 7. Congratulate the patient on good effort, and offer a drink of water. 8. Record the number of laps from the counter (or tick marks on the worksheet) and the additional distance covered (the number of meters in the final partial lap) using incremental markers on the wall or floor as distance guides. 9. When patient is fully recovered and all data collected, the patient can leave.

Table 18.3 Reasons for immediately stopping the test Chest pain Intolerable dyspnea Leg cramps, staggering Diaphoresis, pale or ashen appearance

The indications for stopping the 6MWT are presented in Table 18.3. Technologists must be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms in Table 18.3 and know the appropriate responses. If a test is stopped for any of the reasons noted in Table 18.3, the patient should sit or lie supine as appro- priate depending on the severity of the event and the technologist’s assessment of the severity of the event. Activa- tion of the institution’s emergency rapid response system may be required. The following should be obtained based on the judgement of the technologist: blood pressure, pulse rate, O 2 saturation, and a physician evaluation. Oxygen should be administered as appropriate.

Reporting of Test Results 1. Results should include the following: 1.1. Demographic information 1.2. Resting variables 1.2.1.

Blood pressure, heart rate, Borg scale, and Sp O 2

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