Which signs of poor perfusion require stopping a maximal exercise test?

• A. Cyanosis or pallor during exercise
• B. Warm flushed skin
• C. Moist skin
• D. Pupil dilation

Answer: (A)

Poor perfusion during a maximal exercise test means tissues aren’t getting enough blood and oxygen. Cyanosis or pallor are the clearest signals of this problem: cyanosis shows deoxygenated blood reaching tissues (skin appears blue), and pallor reflects reduced skin blood flow. When these signs appear, stopping the test helps prevent further harm by removing the stress before perfusion worsens.

Warm flushed skin suggests increased skin blood flow, not poor perfusion. Moist skin is usually from sweating during exercise and isn’t a reliable indicator of tissue perfusion. Pupil dilation results from sympathetic arousal and doesn’t directly indicate perfusion status.