Which method is most appropriate for monitoring exercise intensity in a patient after cardiac transplantation?

The perceived exertion scale is the most appropriate method for monitoring exercise intensity in a patient after cardiac transplantation because these individuals often experience changes in autonomic regulation and may not be able to rely on traditional physiological responses to exercise, such as heart rate. After transplantation, the heart's ability to respond appropriately to exercise—by increasing heart rate or stroke volume—can be compromised due to denervation. As a result, heart rate might not accurately reflect the level of exertion or intensity of exercise.

The perceived exertion scale allows patients to assess their own level of exertion during physical activities based on subjective feelings of effort, fatigue, and physical strain. This self-assessment enables patients to engage in exercise safely, even when their physiological responses may not provide the most reliable indicators of exercise intensity.

Using metabolic equivalents or target heart rate ranges could be misleading in this population, as the responses can differ significantly from those of non-transplanted individuals. Additionally, pulmonary function tests are not designed to monitor exercise intensity directly; they assess lung function rather than the effort exerted during exercise. Hence, employing the perceived exertion scale is a practical and effective approach for ensuring that post-transplant patients can engage in physical activity while monitoring their own exertion levels.