A patient is entering a cardiac rehabilitation program. The physical therapist should FIRST ask the patient to:

A patient is entering a cardiac rehabilitation program. The physical therapist should FIRST ask the patient to:

• A. Describe the correct aspect of exercise demonstrated by the therapist
• B. List problems associated with nutritional habits
• C. Identify the harmful effects of smoking with regards to cardiac disease
• D. Describe the type of angina that the patient experiences

Answer: (D)

Assessing chest pain and its pattern is essential for safe entry into cardiac rehabilitation. Asking the patient to describe the type of angina they experience gives critical information about ischemic risk and guides how to start and progress exercise. If the angina is classic exertional angina that is predictable and relieved with rest or nitro, supervised, gradual aerobic activity can be initiated with careful monitoring. If the angina is unstable, occurs at rest, or has recently changed in frequency or intensity, this signals higher risk and usually requires medical clearance and a modified or postponed rehab plan. In short, knowing the angina type directly informs safe exercise initiation and progression. The other topics, while important for long-term risk reduction, do not provide the immediate safety guidance needed at intake.

Assessing chest pain and its pattern is essential for safe entry into cardiac rehabilitation. Asking the patient to describe the type of angina they experience gives critical information about ischemic risk and guides how to start and progress exercise. If the angina is classic exertional angina that is predictable and relieved with rest or nitro, supervised, gradual aerobic activity can be initiated with careful monitoring. If the angina is unstable, occurs at rest, or has recently changed in frequency or intensity, this signals higher risk and usually requires medical clearance and a modified or postponed rehab plan. In short, knowing the angina type directly informs safe exercise initiation and progression. The other topics, while important for long-term risk reduction, do not provide the immediate safety guidance needed at intake.