National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What should an appropriate exercise regimen include for a patient in the coronary care unit two days after coronary artery bypass surgery?

1. Ankle pumps and marching in place while seated, at an intensity to increase the heart rate 10-15 beats over resting level

2. Ankle pumps and heel slides to increase the heart rate by 15 beats over resting level

3. Shoulder flexion and abduction with a three-pound weight at an intensity to increase the heart rate by 15-25 beats per minute

4. Exercises that increase the heart rate by 30 beats over resting level, such as upper extremity exercises using a one-pound weight

The correct answer is: Ankle pumps and marching in place while seated, at an intensity to increase the heart rate 10-15 beats over resting level

An effective exercise regimen for a patient who has just undergone coronary artery bypass surgery should prioritize safety, gradual progression, and appropriate intensity to ensure cardiovascular stability during recovery. In this case, the chosen answer focuses on ankle pumps and seated marching, which are foundational exercises suitable for a patient within the first few days post-surgery. Ankle pumps and seated marching are low-impact, low-intensity activities that promote circulation and help prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis without putting undue stress on the heart. This is particularly important as the patient is still in the acute phase of recovery, and their body needs to adapt to the surgical intervention. By recommending activities that increase the heart rate by a modest 10-15 beats over the resting level, the regimen adheres to safety guidelines that consider the patient's cardiovascular status and overall condition. In contrast, other options suggest exercises that involve higher intensity levels or weights, which may not be appropriate for a patient so soon after surgery. Increasing heart rate by 15 beats or more can exert unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system and is likely inappropriate unless specifically cleared by a physician. Additionally, using weights for exercises like shoulder flexion and abduction can add stress that the patient may not yet be ready to handle, making the selected