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.”
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Administer antibiotics
Administering antibiotics is not a direct intervention for preventing atelectasis. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat bacterial infections, and atelectasis is more related to lung collapse or incomplete lung expansion.
B. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
Adequate hydration is important for maintaining the moisture of respiratory secretions. This helps prevent mucus from becoming thick and sticky, making it easier for the patient to cough and clear the airways.
C. Early mobilization after surgery
Early mobilization, including activities such as getting out of bed and walking, helps improve lung expansion. It promotes better ventilation and prevents areas of the lungs from collapsing, reducing the risk of atelectasis.
D. Frequent turning of the patient
Turning the patient regularly is crucial for preventing pooling of respiratory secretions in dependent areas of the lungs. By changing the patient's position, nurses can facilitate drainage and ventilation throughout the lungs, minimizing the risk of atelectasis.
E. Use of incentive spirometry
Incentive spirometry is a breathing exercise device that encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths. This helps expand the lungs and prevents atelectasis by maintaining lung volume and promoting alveolar recruitment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Monitor daily weights and urine output.
Monitoring daily weights and urine output is an important aspect of managing heart failure or other cardiac conditions. However, in the context of a client with chest pain, ST elevation, and elevated cardiac enzymes (indicating a myocardial infarction), the immediate focus is on addressing the acute event and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Administer TPA to prevent further damage as a result of a clot.
Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is a thrombolytic medication that can be administered to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction. However, the administration of TPA has a specific timeframe within which it is most effective. It is crucial to know the elapsed time since the onset of symptoms, and there are specific criteria and contraindications for its use.
C. Provide client education on medications and diet to prevent recurrence.
Client education on medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes is an essential component of long-term management for preventing recurrence of cardiovascular events. However, during the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, the immediate priority is to stabilize the client and address the acute event, with education being a secondary consideration.
D. Reduce pain and myocardial oxygen demand.
During the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, reducing pain and myocardial oxygen demand is the highest priority. This is typically achieved through the administration of medications such as nitroglycerin for vasodilation and opioids for pain relief. Other interventions to optimize oxygen supply and demand, such as supplemental oxygen and reperfusion strategies, may also be considered.
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