A nurse is caring for a client who recently completed a cardiac rehabilitation program. Which of the following client statements indicates the prog ram was completed successfully?

Completion of a cardiac rehabilitation program focuses on long-term lifestyle modification, secondary prevention of cardiac events, and improved functional capacity after a cardiovascular event. Clients are taught to adopt regular physical activity, medication adherence, smoking cessation, and stress management strategies. Successful rehabilitation is demonstrated by sustained healthy behaviors that reduce cardiac workload and improve overall cardiovascular health. Consistent exercise is a key indicator of improved endurance and cardiac conditioning. Rationale: A. Stating that work remains stressful and involves 50 to 60 hours per week does not indicate successful cardiac rehabilitation outcomes. Persistent high stress and overwork increase sympathetic stimulation, elevate blood pressure, and raise the risk of recurrent cardiac events. Effective rehabilitation includes stress reduction strategies and lifestyle adjustments to reduce cardiac strain. B. Stopping clopidogrel is an unsafe practice and indicates misunderstanding of secondary prevention after cardiac events. Clopidogrel is prescribed to prevent thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction or stent thrombosis. Discontinuing antiplatelet therapy significantly increases the risk of clot formation and cardiovascular events. C. Walking the dog for at least 1 mile every other day reflects appropriate adherence to a structured physical activity plan and indicates successful incorporation of exercise into daily life. Regular moderate-intensity aerobic activity improves cardiovascular endurance, lowers blood pressure, and enhances lipid profiles. This behavior demonstrates effective lifestyle modification following cardiac rehabilitation. D. Reducing cigarette intake to only a few cigarettes per day does not indicate successful rehabilitation because smoking cessation must be complete to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Even occasional smoking continues to damage vascular endothelium and promotes atherosclerosis. Full cessation is a critical component of secondary prevention and long-term cardiac health.