A patient newly diagnosed with left-sided heart failure is admitted to the hospital. The nurse will observe this patient closely for:

Choice A reason: An increase in antithrombotic substances is not a cause of atherosclerosis. Antithrombotic substances are agents that prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots. They can be used to treat or prevent atherosclerosis, not cause it.

Choice B reason: Congenital heart disease is not a cause of atherosclerosis. Congenital heart disease is a condition that is present at birth and affects the structure or function of the heart. It can be caused by genetic or environmental factors, not by atherosclerosis.

Choice C reason: Endothelial injury and inflammation are causes of atherosclerosis. Endothelial injury is the damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels, which can be caused by various factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or diabetes. Inflammation is the body's response to the injury, which involves the activation of immune cells and the release of cytokines and growth factors. These processes lead to the formation of plaque, which is composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and other materials.

Choice D reason: High serum potassium levels are not a cause of atherosclerosis. High serum potassium levels are a condition that affects the balance of electrolytes in the blood. It can be caused by kidney disease, medication side effects, or excessive intake of potassium-rich foods. It can affect the heart rhythm and function, but it does not cause atherosclerosis.

Choice A reason: This is not what will happen when a person is hypotensive. Baroreceptors are sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure. When a person is hypotensive, the baroreceptors are more active, not less, and they send signals to the brain to increase the blood pressure.

Choice B reason: This is what will happen when a person is hypotensive. SNS stands for sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for fight or flight response. When a person is hypotensive, the SNS is activated to increase the heart rate, contractility, and vasoconstriction, which all raise the blood pressure.

Choice C reason: This is not what will happen when a person is hypotensive. Person will be bradycardic means that the person will have a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. When a person is hypotensive, the opposite will happen, as the heart rate will increase to compensate for the low blood pressure.

Choice D reason: This is not what will happen when a person is hypotensive. SNS is suppressed means that the sympathetic nervous system is inhibited or reduced in activity. When a person is hypotensive, the SNS is not suppressed, but rather stimulated, to increase the blood pressure.