Which of the following nursing diagnoses is the nurse most correct to choose when caring for a client with long-standing hypertension?
- A. Impaired Gas Exchange
- B. Activity Intolerance
- C. Altered Tissue Perfusion
- D. Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse is most correct in choosing Altered Tissue Perfusion for the client with long-standing hypertension. In hypertension, the extra work increases the size of the heart muscle. Eventually, the heart cannot meet the body's metabolic needs limiting the perfusion to the tissues. Impaired Gas Exchange, Activity Intolerance, and a Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output may occur due to the ineffective perfusion.
You may also like to solve these questions
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 caring for a client with long-standing hypertension. As a client advocate, what should the nurse suggest that is most helpful in preventing further complications?
- A. Maintain a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.
- B. Focus on exercise at least twice a week.
- C. Obtain a regular appointment with eye doctor.
- D. Avoid use of caffeinated beverages.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a client has long-standing hypertension, the high blood pressure damages the arterial vascular system. As a client advocate, the nurse must instruct on not only prevention but also on early identification of complications. Damages may occur to the tiny arteries in the eyes compromising vision. The most helpful instruction is to maintain a regular appointment with an eye doctor. The other options are good instruction for a healthy lifestyle.
The nurse is caring for a client who is ordered diazoxide IV to decrease blood pressure. Which nursing consideration is a priority?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed.
- B. Use an automatic blood pressure recording machine.
- C. Place a Foley catheter to monitor urine output.
- D. Assess the client's deep tendon reflex.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A nursing priority is to monitor the client's blood pressure every few minutes. It is unrealistic to have the nurse manually assess the blood pressures. An automatic blood pressure machine is programed to assess the blood pressure and record the results for assessment. The other options may be completed; however, monitoring the blood pressure is the priority.
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.
The physician is ordering a test for the hypertensive client that will be able to evaluate whether the client has experienced heart damage. Which diagnostic test would the nurse anticipate to determine heart damage?
- A. Blood chemistry
- B. Multiple gated acquisition scan (MUGA)
- C. Chest radiograph
- D. Fluorescein angiography
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse realizes that undiagnosed (untreated), long-standing hypertension can cause heart damage. The diagnostic test that best determines heart damage is the multiple gate acquisition scan (MUGA). This test is used to detect how efficiently the heart pumps. A blood chemistry determines electrolyte balance. A chest radiograph (chest $x$-ray) can provide details of the heart size through shading on the scan. Fluorescein angiography is an ophthalmologic test revealing leaking retinal blood vessels.
Nokea