American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What does a clinically stable patient exhibit regarding their heart rate?

1. Heart rate of 90/min or less

2. Heart rate of 100/min or less

3. Heart rate of 110/min or less

4. Heart rate of 120/min or less

The correct answer is: Heart rate of 100/min or less

A clinically stable patient typically maintains a heart rate that is within a range that indicates proper cardiovascular function. The selected answer, indicating a heart rate of 100 beats per minute or less, aligns well with the general definition of clinical stability. In this context, a heart rate within this range suggests that the patient's cardiovascular system is adequately compensating for bodily functions and that there are no signs of tachycardia, which could indicate underlying stress or dysfunction. In the assessment of a patient’s hemodynamic status, a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute may suggest the presence of stressors, such as pain, fever, or other medical conditions, that would require further evaluation. A threshold of 100 beats per minute is often considered a reasonable limit in clinical practice to denote when further investigation may be warranted, especially in the acute care setting. Patients exhibiting heart rates above this threshold might be monitored more closely for signs of instability, which could indicate potential complications. Thus, a heart rate of 100/min or less is a clinically recognized standard for stability, reflecting a state where the autonomic nervous system is functioning effectively to maintain homeostasis.