During progressive ambulation on the third day after a myocardial infarction, which sign indicates the client should not advance?

During progressive ambulation on the third day after a myocardial infarction, which sign indicates the client should not advance?

• A. Shortness of breath.
• B. Facial flushing.
• C. Heart rate increase of 10 beats/min.
• D. Systolic blood pressure increase of 10 mm Hg.

Answer: (A)

During progressive ambulation after a myocardial infarction, the key is to monitor signs of exercise intolerance. Shortness of breath signals that the heart and lungs aren’t handling the increased workload, which can indicate inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potential ischemia, or developing pulmonary congestion. This is a clear cue to stop progressing and reassess the patient’s stability before advancing further. Facial flushing can occur with exertion or heat and isn’t by itself a reason to halt activity. A small increase in heart rate is a normal physiologic response to exercise, and a modest rise in systolic blood pressure is also expected as activity intensity increases. Neither of these alone implies an inability to continue safely.

During progressive ambulation after a myocardial infarction, the key is to monitor signs of exercise intolerance. Shortness of breath signals that the heart and lungs aren’t handling the increased workload, which can indicate inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potential ischemia, or developing pulmonary congestion. This is a clear cue to stop progressing and reassess the patient’s stability before advancing further.

Facial flushing can occur with exertion or heat and isn’t by itself a reason to halt activity. A small increase in heart rate is a normal physiologic response to exercise, and a modest rise in systolic blood pressure is also expected as activity intensity increases. Neither of these alone implies an inability to continue safely.