A client asks what "essential hypertension" is. What response by the registered nurse is best?
"It means it is caused by another disease.”.
"It means it is 'essential' that it be treated.”.
"It is hypertension with no specific cause.”.
"It refers to severe and life-threatening hypertension.”.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
This statement describes secondary hypertension, where an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease or an endocrine disorder, is the identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension accounts for a minority of cases, and treating the underlying disease is the primary focus.
Choice B rationale
This response uses a colloquial interpretation of the word "essential" rather than the medical definition. While treatment is indeed essential for all hypertension, this explanation does not accurately describe the etiology or classification of the condition from a scientific perspective.
Choice C rationale
Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, is the medical term for high blood pressure that has no identifiable, specific cause. It accounts for the vast majority of hypertension cases and is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect. While some cases of essential hypertension can be severe, the term "essential" refers to the absence of a known cause, not the severity of the condition. Hypertension severity is categorized separately, regardless of its underlying etiology.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Peripheral arterial disease causes reduced blood flow to the extremities, making them highly susceptible to thermal injury. A heating pad can cause a severe burn because the compromised circulation prevents adequate heat dissipation, and the impaired sensation often associated with PAD means the client may not feel the excessive heat.
Choice B rationale
Crossing legs compresses the popliteal artery and other vessels, further impeding already compromised arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. This action increases resistance and reduces tissue perfusion, exacerbating the ischemic symptoms and potentially worsening the disease progression.
Choice C rationale
Wearing warm, heavy socks is a safe and effective way to promote warmth and vasodilation in the feet without the risk of burns. By maintaining warmth, it helps to prevent vasospasm and promotes better collateral blood flow to the affected extremities, improving comfort and circulation.
Choice D rationale
Smoking causes intense vasoconstriction through nicotine's effects on the sympathetic nervous system and damages the endothelial lining of blood vessels, accelerating the atherosclerotic process. Quitting smoking is the single most effective intervention to slow the progression of PAD and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The recommendation for alcohol consumption is based on sex-specific metabolism and risk profiles. The liver metabolizes alcohol via alcohol dehydrogenase. Women generally have lower levels of this enzyme, leading to a higher blood alcohol concentration from the same amount of alcohol compared to men. This increased exposure elevates the risk of alcohol-related health issues, including a heightened risk for hypertension, hence the recommendation of one drink per day.
Choice B rationale
While abstaining from alcohol is often the safest choice for individuals with hypertension, a complete prohibition is not universally mandated for all clients. Current guidelines acknowledge that moderate consumption, defined as one drink per day for women, may not significantly worsen hypertension in some individuals. However, exceeding this amount can cause a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
This statement is scientifically inaccurate and potentially dangerous. The client's size is not the sole determinant of alcohol tolerance. Female physiology, including lower body water content and different metabolic enzyme levels, contributes to a higher blood alcohol concentration. Therefore, a larger body size does not automatically confer a greater capacity to metabolize alcohol or negate its hypertensive effects.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect and contradicts established health guidelines. The recommended limit for female alcohol consumption is one drink per day, which equates to one 12-ounce beer. Consuming two beers per night exceeds this recommended limit, increasing the risk of developing or worsening hypertension and other cardiovascular complications due to the direct vasoconstrictive effects of alcohol.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.