What criterion distinguishes relative contraindications from absolute ones in symptom-limited exercise testing?

• A. Relative contraindications are never acceptable
• B. They may proceed only if benefits outweigh risks and appropriate medical oversight is available
• C. They require full anesthesia
• D. They are irrelevant to patient safety

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how risk and safety are weighed when deciding to perform a symptom-limited exercise test. Relative contraindications mean the test can go ahead only if the expected benefits (such as diagnostic information or guiding treatment) outweigh the potential risks, and there must be appropriate medical oversight and monitoring to manage any problems that arise.

That’s why the correct statement is that they may proceed only if benefits outweigh risks and appropriate medical oversight is available. The other options miss this risk-benefit and supervision nuance: some conditions aren’t always unacceptable to test under supervision, so saying they’re never acceptable is incorrect; anesthesia isn’t a requirement for these tests; and contraindications are indeed relevant to patient safety.