Which measures are included in the cardiovascular/pulmonary system review?

• A. Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, and Edema
• B. Skin Temperature, Moisture, and Color
• C. ROM, Strength, and Endurance
• D. Gait Velocity, Step Count, and Balance

Answer: (A)

During a cardiovascular/pulmonary systems review, you’re looking for signs of how the heart and lungs are functioning and how well blood is circulating. Heart rate shows how the heart is responding to activity, respiratory rate reflects breathing effort and potential distress, and blood pressure reveals the current hemodynamic status. Edema indicates fluid status and venous return issues, which can point to heart failure or other cardiovascular or pulmonary concerns. The other options focus on skin characteristics, musculoskeletal function, or gait and balance, which pertain to integumentary, musculoskeletal, or neuromuscular systems rather than cardiovascular/pulmonary status. So, the measures included are heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and edema.