Question

A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who has been diagnosed with angina. The nurse educates the client on aerobic exercise, as per the healthcare provider​'s orders. The client asks the​ nurse, open double quote"How will I know when I am working out ​adequately?close double quote" What is the nurse​'s best​ response?

a) When you are performing aerobic​ exercise, you shouldn't​ be able to carry on a conversation.
b) The goal for aerobic exercise is to maintain target heart rate within​ 40%-55% of maximum heart rate.
c) When you are performing aerobic​ exercise, you should be able to carry on a conversation without labored breathing.
d) The goal for aerobic exercise is to maintain target heart rate within​ 60%-85% of maximum heart rate.

Answer 1

The best response for a client with angina regarding the intensity of aerobic workouts is that they should be able to carry on a conversation without labored breathing, ensuring they stay in a moderate-intensity exercise zone.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client diagnosed with angina is being educated on aerobic exercise as part of their discharge instructions. When asked about how to gauge adequate workout intensity, the nurse should refer to the “Talk Test” and heart rate guidelines. The appropriate response would be:

c) When you are performing aerobic exercise, you should be able to carry on a conversation without labored breathing.

This aligns with the standard that during moderate-intensity aerobic activity, a person should be able to talk but not sing. Although maintaining a target heart rate within 60%-85% of maximum heart rate is commonly advised, for someone with cardiac conditions such as angina, the target heart rate might need to be adjusted based on healthcare provider recommendations. Patients should monitor their heart rate to stay within a safe range, avoiding the extreme ends that could lead to decreased cardiac output and increased stress on the heart.