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An older adult is newly diagnosed with primary hypertension and has just been started on a beta-blocker. The nurses health education should include which of the following?
- A. Increasing fluids to avoid extracellular volume depletion from the diuretic effect of the beta-blocker
- B. Maintaining a diet high in dairy to increase protein necessary to prevent organ damage
- C. Use of strategies to prevent falls stemming from postural hypotension
- D. Limiting exercise to avoid injury that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly people have impaired cardiovascular reflexes and are more sensitive to postural hypotension. The nurse teaches patients to change positions slowly when moving from lying or sitting positions to a standing position, and counsels elderly patients to use supportive devices as necessary to prevent falls that could result from dizziness. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity/exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, is strongly recommended. Increasing fluids in elderly patients may be contraindicated due to cardiovascular disease. Increased intracranial pressure is not a risk and activity should not normally be limited.
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A patients recently elevated BP has prompted the primary care provider to prescribe furosemide (Lasix). The nurse should closely monitor which of the following?
- A. The clients oxygen saturation level
- B. The patients red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin
- C. The patients level of consciousness
- D. The patients potassium level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Loop diuretics can cause potassium depletion. They do not normally affect level of consciousness, erythrocytes, or oxygen saturation.
The nursing lab instructor is teaching student nurses how to take blood pressure. To ensure accurate measurement, the lab instructor would teach the students to avoid which of the following actions?
- A. Measuring the BP after the patient has been seated quietly for more than 5 minutes
- B. Taking the BP at least 10 minutes after nicotine or coffee ingestion
- C. Using a cuff with a bladder that encircles at least 80% of the limb
- D. Using a bare forearm supported at heart level on a firm surface
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressures should be taken with the patient seated with arm bare, supported, and at heart level. The patient should not have smoked tobacco or taken caffeine in the 30 minutes preceding the measurement. The patient should rest quietly for 5 minutes before the reading is taken. The cuff bladder should encircle at least 80% of the limb being measured and have a width of at least 40% of limb circumference. Using a cuff that is too large results in a lower BP and a cuff that is too small will give a higher BP measurement.
The nurse is providing care for a patient with a diagnosis of hypertension. The nurse should consequently assess the patient for signs and symptoms of which other health problem?
- A. Migraines
- B. Atrial-septal defect
- C. Atherosclerosis
- D. Thrombocytopenia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is both a sign and a risk factor for atherosclerotic heart disease. It is not associated with structural cardiac defects, low platelet levels, or migraines.
A patient with primary hypertension comes to the clinic complaining of a gradual onset of blurry vision and decreased visual acuity over the past several weeks. The nurse is aware that these symptoms could be indicative of what?
- A. Retinal blood vessel damage
- B. Glaucoma
- C. Cranial nerve damage
- D. Hypertensive emergency
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes, and diminished visual acuity can mean retinal blood vessel damage indicative of damage elsewhere in the vascular system as a result of hypertension. Glaucoma and cranial nerve damage do not normally cause these symptoms. A hypertensive emergency would have a more rapid onset.
A community health nurse teaching a group of adults about preventing and treating hypertension. The nurse should encourage these participants to collaborate with their primary care providers and regularly monitor which of the following?
- A. Heart rate
- B. Sodium levels
- C. Potassium levels
- D. Blood lipid levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypertension often accompanies other risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease, such as dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fat levels), obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle. Individuals with hypertension need to monitor their sodium intake, but hypernatremia is not a risk factor for hypertension. In many patients, heart rate does not correlate closely with BP. Potassium levels do not normally relate to BP.