Final answer:
During vigorous exercise, a patient is expected to experience an increased respiratory rate to accommodate the increased demand for oxygen and to remove excess carbon dioxide produced by the muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who is prescribed vigorous exercises is expected to exhibit several physiological changes to adapt to the increased physical demands. One of the changes that occur during exercise is an increased respiratory rate to meet the heightened demand for oxygen by the muscles and to remove the excess carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism. When exercising, the body's need for oxygen increases, and as a result, the respiratory rate increases to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen is delivered to the tissues. This also leads to an increase in minute respiration, which is the total volume of air inhaled and exhaled per minute. The correct answer to the student's question is B) Increased respiratory rate.