During physical therapy, actions for a patient with uncontrolled hypertension should include which of the following?

• A. Postpone high-intensity activities; plan lower-intensity progression and seek medical clearance.
• B. Increase intensity gradually to build tolerance.
• C. Stop treatment permanently.
• D. Document but continue as planned with no changes.

Answer: (A)

When a patient has uncontrolled hypertension, safety during therapy hinges on reducing exertion to a level that won’t strain the cardiovascular system and obtaining medical clearance before progressing. The plan should shift to lower‑intensity activities with a gradual, supervised progression once blood pressure is controlled and the clinician approves. This approach helps prevent dangerous spikes in blood pressure that could lead to events like a hypertensive crisis, heart attack, or stroke during exercise. So, you would postpone high‑intensity work, use submaximal targets, monitor blood pressure, and re-evaluate with medical input before increasing effort. Increasing intensity now is unsafe, continuing as planned with no changes ignores the risk, and stopping therapy permanently isn’t appropriate without a medical plan for safe return.