What is the expected response of vital signs in a client who is safely tolerating ambulation?

What is the expected response of vital signs in a client who is safely tolerating ambulation?

• A. Vital signs remain unchanged
• B. Significant drop in heart rate
• C. Moderate increase in pulse and respiratory rates
• D. Severe fluctuation in blood pressure

Answer: (C)

When a client is safely ambulating, a moderate increase in pulse and respiratory rates is an expected response. This is due to the increased demand for oxygen and the need for the body to deliver blood more efficiently as physical activity commences. Ambulation stimulates the heart and lungs to work harder to supply muscles with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, leading to a rise in both heart rate and respiratory rate. Such physiological adjustments help meet the metabolic demands of physical activity. In this context, it's important to recognize that while vital signs can show changes during and after ambulation, the increase should remain within a moderate range, indicating an appropriate physiological response to exercise. This suggests that the client is tolerating the activity well and is not in distress. In contrast, the other options describe responses that would suggest complications or abnormal responses.

When a client is safely ambulating, a moderate increase in pulse and respiratory rates is an expected response. This is due to the increased demand for oxygen and the need for the body to deliver blood more efficiently as physical activity commences.

Ambulation stimulates the heart and lungs to work harder to supply muscles with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, leading to a rise in both heart rate and respiratory rate. Such physiological adjustments help meet the metabolic demands of physical activity.

In this context, it's important to recognize that while vital signs can show changes during and after ambulation, the increase should remain within a moderate range, indicating an appropriate physiological response to exercise. This suggests that the client is tolerating the activity well and is not in distress. In contrast, the other options describe responses that would suggest complications or abnormal responses.