CERTIFIED CARDIAC REHABILITATION
SPECIALIST EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to
A. Cure coronary artery disease
B. Eliminate the need for medications
C. Reduce cardiovascular risk and improve quality of life
D. Increase maximal athletic performance
Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac rehabilitation focuses on risk reduction, functional capacity
improvement, and quality of life, not curing disease or eliminating medications.
2. Phase I cardiac rehabilitation occurs
A. After hospital discharge
B. During the acute hospital stay
C. In an outpatient clinic
D. At home only
Answer: B
Rationale: Phase I begins during hospitalization and emphasizes early
mobilization and education.
, 3. Which vital sign is most critical to monitor during exercise in cardiac rehab?
A. Temperature
B. Respiratory rate
C. Heart rate
D. Blood glucose
Answer: C
Rationale: Heart rate reflects cardiovascular response to exercise and guides
intensity prescription.
4. The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (6–20 scale) is used to
A. Measure blood pressure
B. Estimate oxygen saturation
C. Assess subjective exercise intensity
D. Diagnose arrhythmias
Answer: C
Rationale: RPE correlates with heart rate and helps monitor exercise intensity
safely.
5. A normal resting blood pressure is defined as
A. <150/95 mmHg
B. <140/90 mmHg
C. <120/80 mmHg
D. <110/70 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Current guidelines define normal BP as less than 120/80 mmHg.
6. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to exercise testing?
A. Controlled hypertension
B. Stable angina
, C. Acute myocardial infarction (within 2 days)
D. Obesity
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute MI is an absolute contraindication due to high risk of
complications.
7. METs are used to express
A. Heart rhythm
B. Energy expenditure
C. Blood glucose
D. Ventilatory efficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Metabolic equivalents quantify the energy cost of physical activities.
8. One MET equals approximately
A. 1 kcal/kg/hour
B. 3.5 mL O₂/kg/min
C. 10 mL O₂/kg/min
D. 5 kcal/min
Answer: B
Rationale: One MET is defined as resting oxygen consumption of 3.5 mL/kg/min.
9. Phase II cardiac rehabilitation is best described as
A. Inpatient monitored rehab
B. Outpatient supervised exercise and education
C. Independent lifelong exercise
D. Home bed rest
SPECIALIST EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to
A. Cure coronary artery disease
B. Eliminate the need for medications
C. Reduce cardiovascular risk and improve quality of life
D. Increase maximal athletic performance
Answer: C
Rationale: Cardiac rehabilitation focuses on risk reduction, functional capacity
improvement, and quality of life, not curing disease or eliminating medications.
2. Phase I cardiac rehabilitation occurs
A. After hospital discharge
B. During the acute hospital stay
C. In an outpatient clinic
D. At home only
Answer: B
Rationale: Phase I begins during hospitalization and emphasizes early
mobilization and education.
, 3. Which vital sign is most critical to monitor during exercise in cardiac rehab?
A. Temperature
B. Respiratory rate
C. Heart rate
D. Blood glucose
Answer: C
Rationale: Heart rate reflects cardiovascular response to exercise and guides
intensity prescription.
4. The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (6–20 scale) is used to
A. Measure blood pressure
B. Estimate oxygen saturation
C. Assess subjective exercise intensity
D. Diagnose arrhythmias
Answer: C
Rationale: RPE correlates with heart rate and helps monitor exercise intensity
safely.
5. A normal resting blood pressure is defined as
A. <150/95 mmHg
B. <140/90 mmHg
C. <120/80 mmHg
D. <110/70 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Current guidelines define normal BP as less than 120/80 mmHg.
6. Which condition is an absolute contraindication to exercise testing?
A. Controlled hypertension
B. Stable angina
, C. Acute myocardial infarction (within 2 days)
D. Obesity
Answer: C
Rationale: Acute MI is an absolute contraindication due to high risk of
complications.
7. METs are used to express
A. Heart rhythm
B. Energy expenditure
C. Blood glucose
D. Ventilatory efficiency
Answer: B
Rationale: Metabolic equivalents quantify the energy cost of physical activities.
8. One MET equals approximately
A. 1 kcal/kg/hour
B. 3.5 mL O₂/kg/min
C. 10 mL O₂/kg/min
D. 5 kcal/min
Answer: B
Rationale: One MET is defined as resting oxygen consumption of 3.5 mL/kg/min.
9. Phase II cardiac rehabilitation is best described as
A. Inpatient monitored rehab
B. Outpatient supervised exercise and education
C. Independent lifelong exercise
D. Home bed rest
