A nurse is screening a group of people at a community health event for hypertension. Which patient will the nurse identify is at risk for hypertension?

A 29-year-old female who reports drinking a glass of wine with dinner.

A 35-year-old male who works 50 hours a week.

A 50-year-old male who reports smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day.

A 30-year-old female with a family history of diabetes mellitus.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. A 29-year-old female who reports drinking a glass of wine with dinner: While excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to hypertension, moderate alcohol intake, such as drinking a glass of wine with dinner, is not typically a significant risk factor for hypertension in the absence of other contributing factors. Therefore, this individual may not be considered at high risk for hypertension solely based on this information.

B. A 35-year-old male who works 50 hours a week: While chronic stress from long work hours can potentially contribute to hypertension, working 50 hours a week alone may not be sufficient to significantly increase the risk of hypertension, especially in the absence of other significant risk factors. Therefore, this individual may not be considered at high risk for hypertension solely based on this information.

C. A 50-year-old male who reports smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day: Smoking is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Nicotine in cigarettes can cause blood vessels to narrow, leading to increased blood pressure. Smoking also damages blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup and narrowing, further increasing the risk of hypertension. Therefore, this individual is at high risk for hypertension due to their smoking habit.

D. A 30-year-old female with a family history of diabetes mellitus: While a family history of diabetes mellitus may increase the risk of developing hypertension due to shared risk factors such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits, it is not as directly associated with hypertension as smoking. Additionally, the individual's age and family history alone may not be sufficient to determine a significant risk for hypertension without additional information about lifestyle and other risk factors.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Sedentary lifestyle: While a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development and progression of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is not the highest risk factor compared to other options listed. Regular physical activity is important for cardiovascular health and can help reduce the risk of PAD, but other risk factors may have a greater impact on disease development.

B. Diabetes: Diabetes is a significant risk factor for PAD, especially when poorly controlled. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to atherosclerosis and reduced blood flow to the limbs. However, compared to cigarette smoking, diabetes may not be considered the highest risk factor for PAD.

C. Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking is the highest risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Tobacco smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals that damage blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the limbs. Smoking not only increases the risk of developing PAD but also accelerates its progression and worsens symptoms. Quitting smoking is one of the most important interventions for preventing and managing PAD.

D. Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (hyperlipidemia) contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which is a key mechanism underlying peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, while hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor, it may not be considered the highest risk factor compared to cigarette smoking. Controlling cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and medications is essential for managing PAD and reducing cardiovascular risk.

A. Continue to administer the metoprolol tartrate as ordered. B. Ask the patient if her pulse is within the normal range C. Hold the medication and call the provider D. Ask the patient to eat salty foods

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Continue to administer the metoprolol tartrate as ordered:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure. One of its main effects is to decrease heart rate and blood pressure. In this scenario, the patient's vital signs reveal a low heart rate (48 bpm) and relatively low blood pressure (100/50 mmHg). Given that metoprolol can further reduce heart rate and blood pressure, it would be prudent for the nurse to withhold the medication until further assessment is conducted.

B. Ask the patient if her pulse is within the normal range:
While it's essential to assess the patient's understanding of her condition, asking if her pulse is within the normal range is not sufficient. The nurse should perform a more thorough assessment and consider the clinical significance of the vital signs obtained. In this case, a heart rate of 48 bpm is lower than the typical normal range for adults (60-100 bpm), indicating bradycardia, which may be symptomatic or concerning in the context of administering a beta-blocker like metoprolol.

C. Hold the medication and call the provider:
Given the patient's low heart rate (bradycardia) and relatively low blood pressure, holding the metoprolol tartrate and contacting the healthcare provider is the most appropriate action. Bradycardia and hypotension can be signs of excessive beta-blockade, especially with medications like metoprolol, which can further lower heart rate and blood pressure. The nurse should notify the provider promptly to discuss the patient's condition and determine the appropriate course of action.

D. Ask the patient to eat salty foods:
Encouraging the patient to eat salty foods would not address the underlying issue of bradycardia and hypotension. While increasing salt intake may help raise blood pressure in some cases, it is not a standard intervention for managing symptomatic bradycardia or low blood pressure caused by medication effects.

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A nurse is screening a group of people at a community health event for hypertension. Which patient will the nurse identify is at risk for hypertension?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with peripheral arterial disease. Which factor will the nurse identify as the highest risk?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse takes a patient's vital signs prior to giving metoprolol tartrate and obtains the following results: T 98 degrees F, P 48, R 16 bpm, BP 100/50 and a pulse oximeter of 98%. What action will the nurse take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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