Which technique is MOST important prior to discharge for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction?

Which technique is MOST important prior to discharge for a patient who has had a myocardial infarction?

• A. Ascend a flight of stairs before discharge
• B. Perform prescribed exercises without angina
• C. Return to normal daily activity level
• D. Take a radial pulse reliably before discharge

Answer: (D)

Monitoring heart rate reliably with the radial pulse before discharge is the key safety skill. After a myocardial infarction, patients often use graded exercise programs and heart-rate targets to guide activity. Being able to accurately palpate and count the radial pulse gives a simple, objective way to gauge exertion, detect abnormal responses (too fast, too slow, or irregular rhythms), and adjust activity or seek help as needed. This self-monitoring skill helps ensure safe progression at home and during rehab. Other options either focus on an activity test that requires supervision, or on broad goals that don’t provide a concrete safety check patients can perform independently. Returning to normal daily activities or exercising without angina are important goals, but without a reliable pulse measure, the patient lacks a practical tool to monitor intensity.

Monitoring heart rate reliably with the radial pulse before discharge is the key safety skill. After a myocardial infarction, patients often use graded exercise programs and heart-rate targets to guide activity. Being able to accurately palpate and count the radial pulse gives a simple, objective way to gauge exertion, detect abnormal responses (too fast, too slow, or irregular rhythms), and adjust activity or seek help as needed. This self-monitoring skill helps ensure safe progression at home and during rehab.

Other options either focus on an activity test that requires supervision, or on broad goals that don’t provide a concrete safety check patients can perform independently. Returning to normal daily activities or exercising without angina are important goals, but without a reliable pulse measure, the patient lacks a practical tool to monitor intensity.