National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

During a cardiac rehabilitation session, which sign would indicate that the assistant should stop the patient from exercising?

1. The patient complains of increased dizziness.

2. There is a drop of 5 mm Hg in the patient's systolic blood pressure.

3. The patient complains of mild angina.

4. There is a plateau or slight decrease in the patient's diastolic blood pressure.

The correct answer is: The patient complains of increased dizziness.

The indication to stop a patient from exercising during a cardiac rehabilitation session can be concerning signs that suggest the patient may be experiencing significant distress or a potential medical issue. When a patient complains of increased dizziness, it can signal a variety of underlying problems such as hypotension, arrhythmias, or inadequate cerebral perfusion. Dizziness may indicate that the body is not handling the stress of the exercise well, potentially leading to more serious complications if exercise continues. In contrast, a drop of 5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure during exercise can be within acceptable limits for some individuals, as fluctuations can occur without necessarily being alarming. Mild angina might warrant caution, depending on the specific parameters established by a healthcare provider; however, many patients with cardiac issues experience some degree of angina that is managed during rehabilitation. Lastly, a plateau or slight decrease in diastolic blood pressure may not be as critical as significant dizziness, as such changes can occur and may not indicate imminent danger. Thus, the complaint of increased dizziness is a clear and urgent sign that should prompt immediate cessation of exercise to ensure the patient's safety.