NOT a phase of cardiac rehabilitation as described?

• A. Phase 1 inpatient
• B. Phase 2 outpatient
• C. Phase 3 independent
• D. Phase 4 maintenance

Answer: (D)

In this description of cardiac rehabilitation, the program is organized into three main phases: Phase I in the hospital with early mobilization and medical optimization, Phase II as an outpatient supervised exercise and risk-factor modification program after discharge, and Phase III which moves toward longer-term, often more independent or community-based exercise with ongoing monitoring. Phase IV maintenance isn’t included as a formal phase in this framework; it’s considered ongoing, long-term maintenance beyond the formal rehab program rather than a distinct phase. Since maintenance falls outside the described sequence, it is the option that does not fit the described phases. The other choices align with the inpatient, outpatient, and initial independent phases.