Cardiopulmonary Outcome Measures

Question 1

What are cardiopulmonary outcome measures used for in physical therapy?

Answer 1

They assess a patient’s functional status, aerobic capacity, and monitor improvements in response to treatment.

Question 2

Why is assessing baseline aerobic tolerance important before prescribing exercise?

Answer 2

Baseline aerobic tolerance helps determine the appropriate exercise intensity and ensures patient safety.

Question 3

What role do anxiety and depression play in cardiopulmonary patients, and how are they assessed?

Answer 3

Anxiety and depression are common; they can be assessed using tools like the Beck Depression Inventory and CES-D.

Question 4

What is the significance of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in cardiopulmonary patients?

Answer 4

HRQOL measures the patient’s perspective on their functional status, symptoms, and overall life satisfaction.

Question 5

What physiologic data is important to gather during cardiopulmonary assessments?

Answer 5

Important data includes lab values, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, O2 saturation, and Borg RPE Scale scores.

Question 6

What is the Borg RPE scale, and how is it used during exercise?

Answer 6

The Borg RPE scale helps patients rate their perceived exertion during exercise, with values corresponding to heart rate intensity.

Question 7

How does the Borg RPE scale correlate with percentage of maximum heart rate?

Answer 7

An RPE of 13-14 corresponds to about 70% of max HR, while RPE 11-13 represents the upper limit for early cardiac rehab.

Question 8

What are MET levels, and how are they used to assess aerobic capacity?

Answer 8

MET levels measure energy expenditure during activities and are used to prescribe exercise intensity based on patient goals.

Question 9

What activities correspond to different MET levels (light, moderate, vigorous)?

Answer 9

Examples: Light (walking at 2.0 METs), Moderate (gardening at 3.5 METs), Vigorous (running at 11.5 METs).

Question 10

What is the purpose of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)?

Answer 10

The 6MWT measures endurance by assessing how far a patient can walk in 6 minutes, providing insight into functional capacity.

Question 11

What steps should be taken to prepare a patient for the 6MWT?

Answer 11

The patient should rest for 10 minutes, measure vitals, assess contraindications, and explain the test script.

Question 12

What predictive equations are used for the 6MWT for males and females?

Answer 12

Males: 6MWTD(m) = 867 - (5.71 x age) + (1.03 x height). Females: 6MWTD(m) = 525 - (2.86 x age) + (2.71 x height) - (6.22 x BMI).

Question 13

What physiological data should be monitored during the 6MWT?

Answer 13

Vitals such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and the Borg RPE scale should be monitored, as well as rest breaks.

Question 14

How is the 6MWT scored and interpreted?

Answer 14

Distance walked is measured, and rest breaks and time taken are documented. Interpretation includes comparing with normative values.

Question 15

What is the Chair Rise Test, and how is it performed?

Answer 15

The Chair Rise Test assesses lower extremity strength by having the patient perform sit-to-stand repetitions for 30 seconds.

Question 16

What is the Seated Step Test, and how is it used for patients who cannot stand?

Answer 16

The Seated Step Test measures endurance using a step while the patient remains seated, with increasing step height to assess fatigue.

Question 17

How is the 2-Minute Step Test performed, and what does it assess?

Answer 17

The patient steps in place raising knees to a marked height, assessing endurance and lower extremity strength.

Question 18

What is gait speed, and how is it measured during the 10m Walk Test?

Answer 18

Gait speed is the time taken to walk a 6m distance, after 2m of acceleration. It predicts functional status and potential rehospitalizations.

Question 19

What is the Modified Shuttle Test, and when is it used?

Answer 19

The Modified Shuttle Test measures incremental exercise capacity, with patients walking a set distance at increasing speeds.

Question 20

How is the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performed, and what does it measure?

Answer 20

The TUG test measures mobility, balance, and fall risk by timing how quickly a patient can rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, and return.

Question 21

What is the Short Physical Performance Battery, and how is it used to predict functional decline?

Answer 21

The Short Physical Performance Battery assesses balance, gait speed, and sit-to-stand ability, predicting functional decline and rehospitalization.

Question 22

What other tests are considered for cardiopulmonary patients (e.g., Berg Balance Test, Lawton IADL Scale)?

Answer 22

Tests include the Berg Balance Test for balance, Lawton IADL Scale for daily activities, and Gait Speed for functional mobility.

Question 23

What are important considerations for prescribing aerobic exercise in cardiopulmonary patients?

Answer 23

Monitor vitals, assess exertion levels, and adjust intensity based on the patient’s tolerance and current health status.

Question 24

How is exercise intensity monitored in cardiopulmonary patients?

Answer 24

Exercise intensity is monitored using the Borg RPE scale, heart rate, and symptoms such as dyspnea or fatigue.

Question 25

What are some key considerations when assessing functional mobility in cardiopulmonary patients?

Answer 25

Assess endurance, balance, gait speed, and strength to determine functional mobility and rehabilitation potential.

Question 26

How is exertional symptom monitoring integrated into cardiopulmonary rehabilitation?

Answer 26

Exertional symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and heart rate are monitored using scales and vital checks to adjust therapy.