Final answer:
Heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored throughout a Graded Exercise Test, including at rest, during each exercise stage, at peak exercise, and during recovery to assess cardiovascular response and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a Graded Exercise Test (GXT), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) should be assessed at several key points to monitor the patient's cardiovascular response to increasing exercise intensity. Typically, HR and BP measurements should be taken at rest (before the test begins), during each stage of the exercise test, immediately at peak exercise, and during the recovery phase. Since monitoring these vital signs is critical for evaluating the patient's cardiovascular health and exercise tolerance, it is essential that they are measured accurately and consistently.