Skip to Content
Interactive Textbook on Clinical Symptom Research Logo


Home Button

Tools for Decision Making Sections
Author Bio
Introduction
Probability Theory
Case Study 1: Patient History
Bayes' Theorem
Methods for Estimating Pre-test Probability
Estimating Likelihood Ratios
Sensitivity and Specificity
Interpreting Test Results
Calculating Post-test Probabilities
Currently selected section: Post-test Probabilities in Clinical Practice
Conclusions: Case Study 1
Part II
Part III
References

 

Chapter 14: Tools for Decision Making: Post-test Probability in Clinical Practice

        

 

You Answered:

Selection BDobutamine echo

Correct

 

The answer lies in the post-test probability after the tests and whether they are different enough to make one test preferable to the other. The post-test probabilities after a positive result aren't different enough to change decisions about further testing. However, the post-test probability after a negative stress ECG (0.12) is high enough to strongly consider further treatment with a beta blocker and to consider further testing if the pain continues to be troubling. Thus, the dobutamine echo is preferred in this situation (but not necessarily others) because its LR- is lower (owing to higher sensitivity).




      Back to Question