Stop a graded exercise test on an ACSM indication

Reinforce ACSM GXT termination from clinical-exercise training. The test is not continued for a “better peak” after an absolute indication.

1. Confirm consent, the protocol, and crash-cart readiness.
2. Increase stages only on schedule while watching ECG, BP, and RPE.
3. Stop immediately on an absolute indication: drop in SBP with ischemia, moderate-to-severe angina, or the taught ECG changes.
4. Recover in the taught position.
5. Continue monitoring through recovery.
6. Document the reason for termination.
7. Do not talk the patient through an absolute stop to hit a target heart rate.