(1 point):. An elderly patient asks the nurse what causes aortic stenosis later in life.
How should the nurse respond? Aortic stenosis usually results from:.
Congenital disorders.
Rheumatic heart disease and loss of muscle fibers.
Degeneration and calcification of the valve.
Marfan syndrome.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Congenital disorders can indeed cause aortic stenosis, but it is not the most common cause in later life. Aortic stenosis primarily results from degeneration and calcification of the valve as individuals age.
Choice B rationale:
Rheumatic heart disease is a significant cause of aortic stenosis in some cases, but it is more common in regions where rheumatic fever is prevalent. Loss of muscle fibers is not the primary cause of aortic stenosis in later life.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. Aortic stenosis in older adults usually results from degeneration and calcification of the aortic valve. As people age, wear and tear on the valve can lead to the formation of calcium deposits, causing narrowing and obstruction of the valve. This is the most common etiology of aortic stenosis in the elderly.
Choice D rationale:
Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that can affect the aorta, leading to aortic root dilation or dissection. While it is associated with aortic pathology, it is not the primary cause of aortic stenosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pericardial rub A pericardial rub is a clinical finding where a healthcare provider can hear a grating or scratching sound when listening to the heart using a stethoscope. It is a sign of inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) but is not necessarily associated with the rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. Pericardial rub is more indicative of inflammation and not fluid accumulation.
Choice B rationale:
Pericardial effusion Pericardial effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. If the fluid accumulates rapidly, it can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised. The nurse should observe for signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion and its complications in the patient's chart when rapid fluid collection is suspected.
Choice C rationale:
Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by abnormal heart muscle function. It can lead to heart failure and other cardiac issues, but it is not directly related to the rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. The question specifically focuses on a condition resulting from the rapid accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac.
Choice D rationale:
Constrictive pericarditis Constrictive pericarditis is a condition in which the pericardium becomes thickened and rigid, restricting the heart's ability to expand and fill with blood. It is a chronic condition and not typically associated with a rapid collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. Rapid fluid accumulation leading to tamponade is more indicative of pericardial effusion, which is the correct answer.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A high-sodium diet is a risk factor for hypertension but is not directly associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis primarily involves the buildup of plaque within the arteries, which can lead to the narrowing and hardening of these blood vessels. While hypertension is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the choice does not correctly address the question, as it asks for risk factors associated with atherosclerosis specifically.
Choice B rationale:
Advanced age is indeed a risk factor for atherosclerosis. As individuals age, the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases increases. Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition that develops over time, and older individuals are more likely to have accumulated risk factors contributing to its development. Therefore, this choice is correct in identifying an associated risk factor for atherosclerosis.
Choice C rationale:
The correct answer is choice C because hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, have been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This choice is accurate in identifying a specific risk factor for atherosclerosis and aligns with current medical knowledge.
Choice D rationale:
A low-potassium diet is not a direct risk factor for atherosclerosis. While potassium intake can affect blood pressure regulation, it is not one of the primary risk factors for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is primarily related to factors like high cholesterol levels, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Therefore, this choice is not correct in the context of risk factors for atherosclerosis.
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