In outpatient phase III (4-6 weeks post op), which is included?

• A. Driver education
• B. Cardiac rehab
• C. Speech therapy
• D. Pediatric services

Answer: (A)

Driving readiness is addressed in outpatient rehab around 4–6 weeks after surgery because this phase focuses on returning to independent, real-world activities. By this point, healing has progressed enough that a patient can safely manage vehicle operation with proper education and assessment. The goal is to ensure you can handle driving demands—reaction time, coordination, vision, cognitive processing, and safe decision-making—while applying any necessary adaptations or precautions learned in therapy.

The other options fit different contexts: cardiac rehab is specific to heart conditions or procedures, so it isn’t a standard component of a general post-op outpatient program. Speech therapy targets communication or swallowing problems, not the typical functional tasks involved in returning to driving. Pediatric services are for children, not adults in this phase of recovery.