CRRN Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Question 1

A patient enrolled in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation after MI is exercising on a treadmill. Which heart rate finding is the THRESHOLD for stopping the session?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate exceeding the prescribed target range or symptoms of angina/dyspnea

Answer

Heart rate above 60% of maximum heart rate

Answer

Any increase in heart rate from resting baseline

Answer

Heart rate above 50 bpm

Question 2

A rehabilitation nurse is educating a patient about the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale for home exercise after heart failure. Which RPE level indicates APPROPRIATE exercise intensity?

Accepted Answer

RPE 11–14 (fairly light to somewhat hard)

Answer

RPE 6–8 (nothing to very, very light)

Answer

RPE 17–19 (very hard to extremely hard)

Answer

RPE 20 (maximum exertion)

Question 3

A patient with COPD is learning pursed-lip breathing in pulmonary rehabilitation. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this technique?

Accepted Answer

Slow exhalation to reduce air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation

Answer

Increase the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation

Answer

Strengthen the diaphragm through resistance

Answer

Deliver higher FiO2 without supplemental oxygen

Question 4

A rehabilitation nurse is assessing a patient one week post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Which finding requires IMMEDIATE reporting?

Accepted Answer

Sternal clicking with movement and fever of 101.8°F

Answer

Mild sternal discomfort with deep breathing

Answer

Minor incision site bruising

Answer

Fatigue with low-level activity

Question 5

Which oxygen saturation level during pulmonary rehabilitation exercise REQUIRES supplemental oxygen to be initiated or increased?

Accepted Answer

SpO2 < 88%

Answer

SpO2 ≥ 95%

Answer

SpO2 90–94%

Answer

SpO2 85% at rest only

Question 6

A patient in cardiac rehab has a resting blood pressure of 180/105 mmHg before the exercise session. What is the APPROPRIATE nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Withhold exercise and notify the physician

Answer

Proceed with exercise at reduced intensity

Answer

Administer an emergency antihypertensive and continue

Answer

Have the patient rest 5 minutes and recheck once