The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of severe cardiac problems. The goal is to use exercise to maintain the highest level of function possible. To prevent hypertension or use of the Valsalva maneuver, precautionary teaching should include directions to:

a. Breathe through your mouth while exercising.

b. Start slowly and work up until you feel short of breath.

c. Limit exercises to range of motion and stretching.

d. Perform isotonic and isometric exercise frequently.