In all the chapters the Case Studies represent situations similar to those that the medical assistant may encounter in daily practice. Students are encouraged to consider the case study as they read each chapter.

A 57-year-old woman has been having chest pain, discomfort in the chest, and a slight shortness of breath since the previous morning. She chose to come to the office where you are employed rather than the emergency room because she didn't think her symptoms were too severe. The physician orders an ECG and spirometry after reviewing the patient's history. The ECG reveals nonspecific wave changes, and the spirometry shows that the FVC is slightly decreased. The physician then orders a Holter monitor to be placed on the patient and requests that she be scheduled for an exercise electrocardiography.

As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. What does the abbreviation ECG stand for? What is the diagnostic value of the ECG?

2. What is another name for a spirometry? What does FVC designate?

3. Why were the Holter monitor and stress tests ordered for this patient?