National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the expected treatment focus after confirming the positive indicator of ischemia in an exercise stress test?

1. Increase physical activity intensity

2. Begin pharmacological intervention

3. Referral for cardiac rehabilitation

4. Establish a monitored exercise program

The correct answer is: Referral for cardiac rehabilitation

After confirming the positive indicator of ischemia in an exercise stress test, the focus shifts towards a structured approach to managing the patient's cardiac health and overall fitness. The most appropriate treatment emphasis is on a referral for cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes medically supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress. For individuals who have shown signs of ischemia during stress testing, this program is essential for safely increasing physical activity levels while closely monitoring their cardiac conditions. It enables the patient to gradually increase their exercise intensity under professional guidance, which is crucial for mitigating risks associated with heart complications. In addition, a referral to cardiac rehabilitation typically involves a multidisciplinary team that can assess and tailor the rehabilitation process according to the patient’s needs, focusing on improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac events. While other options such as pharmacological intervention, establishing a monitored exercise program, and increasing physical activity intensity may be relevant parts of an overall treatment plan, the immediate response to a positive ischemic test result necessitates a structured and comprehensive rehabilitation program to ensure safety and effectiveness in recovery and ongoing management of the patient's cardiovascular health.