A nurse is establishing health promotion goals for a client who smokes and has hypertension.Which of the following health goals should the nurse utilize to prevent cardiovascular disease?

Rationale:

A. Heparin and warfarin do not work to lower blood pressure. Their primary action is to prevent blood clots, not to affect blood pressure.

B. While heparin can help prevent the extension of existing blood clots, it does not typically dissolve clots. Warfarin is used for long-term anticoagulation and works by inhibiting the synthesis of clotting factors.

C. Heparin is often used initially to rapidly anticoagulate a patient while waiting for the therapeutic effects of warfarin to take effect. Warfarin is then used long-term to prevent future clots from forming.

D. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially, especially in certain clinical situations such as acute deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, to achieve rapid anticoagulation while waiting for the therapeutic effects of warfarin. However, careful monitoring is required to minimize the risk of hemorrhage.

Rationale:

A. Deep vein thrombosis typically presents with symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness, but not necessarily with cramping leg pain that is relieved with rest.

B. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of peripheral arterial disease, characterized by cramping leg pain that occurs with exercise and is relieved with rest.

C. Venous insufficiency presents with symptoms such as leg swelling, varicose veins, and aching or heaviness in the legs, but not necessarily with cramping leg pain that is relieved with rest.

D. Neuropathy may cause various sensory symptoms in the legs, such as numbness, tingling, or burning, but it is not typically associated with cramping leg pain that is relieved with rest.