A physical therapist assistant is following the plan of care for treatment of a patient on the coronary care unit 2 days after a coronary artery bypass surgery. What will an appropriate exercise regiment as this stage of the patient’s recovery include?

A. Ankle pumps and heel slides to increase the heart rate 15 beats over the resting level

B. Shoulder flexion and abduction, and elbow flexion with a 3 pound weight at an intensity to increase the heart rate 15-25 beats per minute

C. Exercises that increase the heart rate 30 beats over the resting level, such as upper-extremity exercises using a 1 pound weight, or marching in place while seated

D. Ankle pumps and marching in place while seated, at an intensity to increase the heart rate 1-15 beats over the resting level