Page | 1
AACVPR CCRP EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR
CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHAB
CERTIFICATION 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS| ACE YOUR GRADES.
Other potential causes of orthostatic hypotension besides being
elderly? - correct answer -baroreflex dysfunction, severe volume
depletion, autonomic insufficiency
Diagnosis criteria for orthostatic hypotension - correct answer -
Decrease in SBP by 20 or decrease in DBP by 10
Potential reasoning of exercise-associated hypotension - correct
answer -exercise-associated ischemia
valvular stenosis
obstructive cardiomyopathy
pulmonary hypertension
LV or RV dysfunction during exercise
Medications that may effects exercise associated hypotension -
correct answer -vasodilators and diuretics
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What can reduce venous return and increase orthostatic demand
- correct answer -coughing, straining, and walking in hot weather
Pharmacotherapy options for hypotension - correct answer -
fludrocortisone, midodrine, caffeine, NSAIDs
Physiology of a cool down - correct answer -permits gradual
readjustment of the autonomic nervous system and vents return
Lifestyle management for HTN - correct answer -ideal body
weight, avoid successive alcohol, regular exercise, avoid
excessive sodium, good sleep, stress reduction
What should be avoided prior to true resting BP measurement -
correct answer -avoid smoking, coffee, or exercise 30 mins prior
Effects of using an oversized BP cuff - correct answer -
underestimation
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Effects of using an undersized BP cuff - correct answer -
overestimation
Correct placement of the BP cuff - correct answer -cuff at heart
level with the width of the cuff atlas 40% of the arm circ with the
length of the cuff enough to encircle at least 80% of the arm circ
At initial eval, BP should be taken in both arms. If one arm is
higher readings should be taken in which arm - correct answer -
the one with the higher reading
Effects of BP with conditions such as subclavian artery stenosis -
correct answer -significant underestimation of BP
What is pseudohypertention - correct answer -when the intra-
arterial pressure is substantially lower than measured by cuff
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Clinical cues of pseudohypertension - correct answer -severe
elevations in BP without evidence of end organ sequelae and
symptoms of orthostatic hypotension after taking
antihypertensives
Everyday BP is effected by - correct answer -circadian rhythm,
stress, smoking, caffeine, exercise
Benefits of treating HTN - correct answer -reduces risk of stroke,
MI, kidney disease and heart failure
Resistant hypertension - correct answer -failure to reach goal BP
in patients who are taking full doses of an appropriate three-drug
therapy regimen that includes a diuretic
Effects of NSAIDs on BP - correct answer -increase BP by
altering the blood flow to the kidneys
Medications that may lead to HTN - correct answer -oral
contraceptives, posttransplant meds such as tacrolimus, steroids,
cyclosporine and erythropoietin
AACVPR CCRP EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR
CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHAB
CERTIFICATION 2026 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS| ACE YOUR GRADES.
Other potential causes of orthostatic hypotension besides being
elderly? - correct answer -baroreflex dysfunction, severe volume
depletion, autonomic insufficiency
Diagnosis criteria for orthostatic hypotension - correct answer -
Decrease in SBP by 20 or decrease in DBP by 10
Potential reasoning of exercise-associated hypotension - correct
answer -exercise-associated ischemia
valvular stenosis
obstructive cardiomyopathy
pulmonary hypertension
LV or RV dysfunction during exercise
Medications that may effects exercise associated hypotension -
correct answer -vasodilators and diuretics
, Page | 2
What can reduce venous return and increase orthostatic demand
- correct answer -coughing, straining, and walking in hot weather
Pharmacotherapy options for hypotension - correct answer -
fludrocortisone, midodrine, caffeine, NSAIDs
Physiology of a cool down - correct answer -permits gradual
readjustment of the autonomic nervous system and vents return
Lifestyle management for HTN - correct answer -ideal body
weight, avoid successive alcohol, regular exercise, avoid
excessive sodium, good sleep, stress reduction
What should be avoided prior to true resting BP measurement -
correct answer -avoid smoking, coffee, or exercise 30 mins prior
Effects of using an oversized BP cuff - correct answer -
underestimation
, Page | 3
Effects of using an undersized BP cuff - correct answer -
overestimation
Correct placement of the BP cuff - correct answer -cuff at heart
level with the width of the cuff atlas 40% of the arm circ with the
length of the cuff enough to encircle at least 80% of the arm circ
At initial eval, BP should be taken in both arms. If one arm is
higher readings should be taken in which arm - correct answer -
the one with the higher reading
Effects of BP with conditions such as subclavian artery stenosis -
correct answer -significant underestimation of BP
What is pseudohypertention - correct answer -when the intra-
arterial pressure is substantially lower than measured by cuff
, Page | 4
Clinical cues of pseudohypertension - correct answer -severe
elevations in BP without evidence of end organ sequelae and
symptoms of orthostatic hypotension after taking
antihypertensives
Everyday BP is effected by - correct answer -circadian rhythm,
stress, smoking, caffeine, exercise
Benefits of treating HTN - correct answer -reduces risk of stroke,
MI, kidney disease and heart failure
Resistant hypertension - correct answer -failure to reach goal BP
in patients who are taking full doses of an appropriate three-drug
therapy regimen that includes a diuretic
Effects of NSAIDs on BP - correct answer -increase BP by
altering the blood flow to the kidneys
Medications that may lead to HTN - correct answer -oral
contraceptives, posttransplant meds such as tacrolimus, steroids,
cyclosporine and erythropoietin
