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An older adult client visits the clinic for a blood pressure (BP) check. The client's hypertension is not well controlled, and a new blood pressure medicine is prescribed. What is important for the nurse to teach this client about the blood pressure medicine?
- A. Take the medicine on an empty stomach.
- B. A possible adverse effect of blood pressure medicine is dizziness when you stand.
- C. There are no adverse effects from blood pressure medicine.
- D. A severe drop in blood pressure is possible.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A possible adverse effect of all antihypertensive drugs is postural hypotension, which can lead to falls. Teaching should include tips for managing syncope and dizziness. The nurse would not teach the client to take the medicine on an empty stomach.
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The nurse is employed in a physician's office and is caring for a client present for an annual exam. A blood pressure of $124 / 84 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$ is documented. Following revised guidelines for identifying hypertension, which educational pamphlet is helpful?
- A. Increasing fluids for low blood pressure
- B. Stress reduction to lower prehypertensive state
- C. Use of beta-blockers for treatment of hypertension
- D. Diagnostic testing for determining cardiac functioning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure of $124 / 84 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$ is now considered to be in the lower range of prehypertension. Knowledge of stress reduction may be helpful in lowering the blood pressure without medication therapy. A blood pressure of $124 / 84 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$ is not considered a low blood pressure or in need of medication therapy due to hypertension. Diagnostic testing for cardiac functioning is not typical for a client with prehypertension.
The nurse is evaluating the types of medications prescribed for a client's hypertension. Which of the following medication classifications establishes an action on vasoconstrictive hormones in the blood stream?
- A. Beta-blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Loop diuretic
- D. Calcium channel blocker
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor's primary action is to prevent the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstricting hormone in the blood. A beta-blocker blocks the beta-adrenergic receptors decreasing sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Loop diuretics excrete water from the loop of Henle, reducing circulating blood volume. Calcium channel blockers dilate coronary and peripheral arteries.
The nurse is creating a community teaching demonstration focusing on the cause of blood pressure. When completing the visual aid, which body structures represent the mechanism of blood pressure?
- A. Lung and arteries
- B. Heart and blood vessels
- C. Brain and sympathetic nervous system
- D. Kidneys and autonomic nervous system
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure is the force produced by the volume of the blood in arterial walls. It is represented by the formula: BP- CO (cardiac output) PR (peripheral resistance). To highlight the mechanism of cardiac output, a heart would be on the visual aid and blood vessels.
A client, newly prescribed a low-sodium diet due to hypertension, is asking for help with meal choices. The client names four favorite meal choices. Which selection would be best?
- A. Toasted cheese sandwich on whole wheat toast with tomato soup
- B. Creamed chipped beef over toast with mashed potatoes
- C. Hot dog with ketchup and relish on whole wheat bun
- D. Green pepper stuffed with diced tomatoes and chicken
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fresh vegetables are low in sodium. A green pepper with (fresh) diced tomatoes and chicken is a good low-sodium, high vegetable and protein selection. Cheese and soup (tomato and creamed) are high in sodium. Processed meats such as a hot dogs and condiments such as ketchup are high in sodium.
The nurse is working on a clinical research study, obtaining data evaluating central aortic systolic pressure and brachial arm systolic pressure. The client notes a difference in the readings. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. The difference is due to machine calibration.
- B. The difference is due to the location of pressure measurement.
- C. The difference is due to the discomfort caused by the measurement procedure.
- D. The difference is due to the constrictive force on the arteries when the measurement is taken.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Central aortic systolic pressure results, reflecting pressure at the root of the aorta, can be documented as $30 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$ lower than when corresponding results obtained at the brachial arm. The differences are not due to machine calibration, discomfort, or constriction of the arteries.