Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Flashcards

Which phase of cardiac rehabilitation focuses on monitored in-hospital ambulation and low-level activity immediately after a cardiac event?

Answer: Phase I (inpatient)

Phase I cardiac rehab begins in the hospital immediately after a cardiac event, focusing on low-level ambulation, education, and monitored activity to prevent deconditioning.

What is the primary benefit of diaphragmatic breathing training in patients with COPD?

Answer: Decreases use of accessory muscles and improves diaphragmatic efficiency

Diaphragmatic breathing retraining reduces reliance on inefficient accessory muscles and promotes more effective use of the diaphragm, improving ventilation efficiency in COPD.

A patient has rales (crackles) at the base of the lungs and pitting edema in the ankles. Which cardiac condition is most consistent with these findings?

Answer: Right-sided heart failure with pulmonary edema

Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion causing peripheral edema; if combined with left-sided failure, pulmonary edema produces basal crackles.

Which vital sign parameter should prompt a PTA to stop exercise in a patient with hypertension?

Answer: Diastolic BP rises above 110 mmHg during exercise

Exercise should be stopped if diastolic BP exceeds 110 mmHg, as this indicates excessive cardiovascular stress and a risk for adverse events.

Which technique is used to mobilize secretions from the peripheral airways toward the larger airways?

Answer: Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

The Active Cycle of Breathing Technique combines breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and the forced expiration technique to clear peripheral airway secretions.

A patient taking beta-blockers will have which response during exercise testing?

Answer: Blunted heart rate response to exercise

Beta-blockers blunt the chronotropic (heart rate) response to exercise by blocking sympathetic stimulation, making HR an unreliable exercise intensity measure.