Cardiopulmonary ICU Mobilization Practice Exam

Movement in the CP-ICU must be avoided when there is a risk of worsening injury. An unstable spine or fracture is a contraindication because any transfer or early mobilization could displace the fracture or injure the spinal cord, leading to lasting neurological damage. That risk makes mobilizing unsafe until stability is restored or imaging and orthopedic guidance confirm it’s safe.

By contrast, the other scenarios describe conditions that, with appropriate monitoring, can allow mobilization. Controlled hypertension, as long as the patient is hemodynamically stable; adequate oxygenation with stable hemodynamics; and no active bleeding—all indicate safer, feasible circumstances for mobilizing, rather than contraindications.