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A group of student nurses are practicing taking blood pressures. A 56-year-old male student has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg. Upon hearing the reading, he exclaims, “My pressure has never been this high. Do you think my doctor will prescribe medication to reduce it?” Which of the following responses by the nursing instructor would be best?

“A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension requires two or more elevated readings taken by your physician before a diagnosis can be made.”

“We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because your age places you at high risk for hypertension.”

“Hypertension is prevalent among men: it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination.”

“You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. A diagnosis of hypertension requires two or more elevated readings taken by your physician before a diagnosis can be made."

This response emphasizes the need for multiple elevated readings for a diagnosis of hypertension. It educates the individual about the diagnostic criteria and encourages them to seek further evaluation from their physician.

B. "We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because your age places you at high risk for hypertension."

This response might be seen as implying that age alone is a significant factor in determining hypertension, which may not be accurate. While age is a risk factor, the emphasis should be on the need for multiple readings and a physician's evaluation rather than attributing it solely to age.

C. "Hypertension is prevalent among men: it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination."

This response suggests that the elevated blood pressure is automatically assumed to be hypertension based on gender. It is important to avoid making assumptions and instead focus on the need for proper evaluation and multiple readings for a hypertension diagnosis.

D. "You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested."

This response dismisses the individual's concerns and attributes the elevated blood pressure solely to the testing situation. While stress or anxiety can influence blood pressure readings, it's essential to address the need for further evaluation and not completely disregard the possibility of hypertension.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Coronary artery disease (CAD):

Coronary artery disease primarily affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms often include chest pain (angina) rather than pain in the lower extremities. The symptoms described in the scenario are not characteristic of CAD.

B. Arterial embolus:

An arterial embolus is a blood clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and can block an artery. While it can cause decreased blood flow and pain, the presentation in the lower left leg and foot with relief of pain at rest is more suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication rather than an acute arterial embolus.

C. Raynaud disease:

Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold or stress. It typically involves color changes (white, blue, red) in the fingers or toes. The symptoms described, including pain in the lower leg and foot during walking, are not typical of Raynaud's disease.

D. Intermittent claudication:

Intermittent claudication is a symptom associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It involves pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, due to reduced blood flow to the muscles. Rest typically relieves the pain. The observation of a hairless leg and slight edema suggests potential vascular compromise in the lower extremity, supporting the diagnosis of intermittent claudication.

A. Frequent change of position B. Antibiotics C. Oxygen humidification D. Chest physiotherapy

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Frequent change of position:

Frequent changes in position help prevent pooling of secretions and promote lung expansion. This simple and cost-effective measure is important in preventing complications related to immobility, such as pneumonia and atelectasis. It aids in maintaining optimal respiratory function.

B. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and would not directly address the risks associated with decreased mobility.

C. Oxygen humidification: While oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases, humidification is typically used to prevent drying of mucous membranes and is not a primary intervention for preventing complications of decreased mobility.

D. Chest physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy involves techniques to mobilize respiratory secretions and may be indicated in specific situations. However, it is not as simple and cost-effective as frequent changes in position.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is taking health history for a client who reports pain in his lower left leg and foot when walking. The pain is relieved with rest, and the nurse observes the left leg is hairless and slightly edematous. The nurse recognizes this as which medical diagnosis or health problem?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient who has decreased mobility. Which intervention is a simple and cost-effective method for reducing the risks of stasis of pulmonary secretions and decreased chest wall expansion?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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