What instruction should a patient follow regarding eating before a stress test?

Eating a light meal 2 hours prior to a stress test is the appropriate instruction for patients. This recommendation balances the need for energy and the necessity of avoiding a full stomach, which can lead to discomfort and potentially interfere with the test results. A light meal ensures that the patient is not overly fatigued or hungry during the test, which is important for both safety and the accuracy of the assessment.

Eating a heavy meal right before the test would likely contribute to feelings of fullness or nausea, which can adversely affect the ability of the patient to perform adequately during the stress test. Similarly, not eating anything the day before is not recommended, as this could leave the patient without the necessary energy to complete the test effectively. Eating only fruits may also not provide sufficient energy or could lead to rapid digestion, resulting in discomfort during the exercise portion of the stress test. Thus, the suggestion to eat a light meal 2 hours prior strikes the right balance.