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

Cardiac rehab exercise should stop if the patient's heart rate exceeds the individualized prescribed limit or if symptoms such as angina, dyspnea, or dizziness occur.

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

An RPE of 11–14 on the 6–20 Borg scale represents moderate exercise intensity, which is safe and therapeutic for most cardiac rehabilitation patients.

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

Pursed-lip breathing creates back-pressure that slows expiratory flow, preventing small airway collapse and reducing dynamic hyperinflation in COPD.

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

Sternal instability (clicking) combined with fever suggests sternal dehiscence or mediastinitis, a life-threatening post-CABG complication requiring emergent evaluation.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

SpO2 < 88%

Answer

An SpO2 below 88% during exercise indicates significant hypoxemia requiring supplemental oxygen to prevent exercise-induced desaturation complications.

CRRN - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Practice Test

CRRN - Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Practice Test

CRRN Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation