A client with chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) asks the nurse why this disease developed. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?
"Excess sodium from hypertension causes direct injury to the arteries, reducing blood flow and causing obstruction."
"Excess fats in your diet are stored in the lining of the arteries, causing them to constrict."
"A combination of platelets and fats accumulate, narrowing the artery and reducing blood flow to the extremities."
"Injury to the arteries causes them to spasm, reducing blood flow to the extremities."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
While hypertension can contribute to the development of PAD, it does not directly cause fats to deposit in the arteries. Hypertension can damage the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis, but it is not the primary mechanism of PAD development.
Choice B Reason
Excess fats in the diet can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaques in the arterial walls. However, the fats do not simply get stored; they combine with other substances, including calcium and inflammatory cells, to form plaques that can restrict blood flow.
Choice C Reason
This statement is the most accurate. PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques formed by fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. These plaques can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. The process can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Arterial spasms can occur, but they are not the typical cause of chronic PAD. Spasms are more often associated with conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon or can be a response to stress or cold temperatures. PAD is usually a result of progressive atherosclerosis rather than intermittent spasms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Reviewing the diet and exercise guidelines with the client is an important step, but it may not address the immediate issue of the weight loss plateau. It's essential to first understand if the client has adhered to the guidelines before reviewing them.
Choice B reason:
Asking the client about any changes in diet or exercise patterns is the first step in identifying potential causes for the weight loss plateau. Changes in lifestyle, stress levels, eating habits, or physical activity can all contribute to a halt in weight loss. Understanding these factors can help the nurse tailor further advice and support.
Choice C reason:
Recommending a further reduction in calorie intake might not be the best initial approach. It's important to ensure that the client is not already consuming too few calories, which can slow metabolism and hinder weight loss. Moreover, drastic calorie reduction can be unsustainable and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Choice D reason:
Instructing the client to record weights weekly is a useful tool for monitoring progress, but it does not address the current issue of the weight loss plateau. It's a supportive action that should follow after understanding and addressing the reasons behind the plateau.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Dysuria, or painful urination, is a common symptom of cystitis and indicates inflammation of the bladder, often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). While it is a symptom to monitor, it does not necessarily indicate progression of the infection.
Choice B reason:
An increased frequency of urination can be a symptom of cystitis due to irritation of the bladder lining. However, like dysuria, it is a common symptom of a UTI and may not signify that the infection is worsening.
Choice C reason:
Pyuria, the presence of white blood cells in the urine, and hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, are both indicators of inflammation and infection. These symptoms can occur with cystitis but are also not specific to the progression of the infection.
Choice D reason:
Fever is a systemic response to infection and can indicate that a UTI, such as cystitis, is worsening or spreading, possibly to the kidneys, which is known as pyelonephritis. Monitoring for fever is important because it may necessitate more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics, and possibly hospitalization if the infection is severe.
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