A patient on warfarin therapy presents with bruising and nosebleeds. Which laboratory test result would be most indicative of warfarin overdose?

Choice A reason: Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup, not loss of elasticity, while arteriosclerosis is the general hardening of arteries, including elasticity loss. This reverses the definitions, making it incorrect, as the nurse must clarify that atherosclerosis is plaque-related and arteriosclerosis is broader vessel hardening.

Choice B reason: Both atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis affect arteries, not veins. Atherosclerosis involves plaque, while arteriosclerosis includes any arterial hardening. This is incorrect, as it misidentifies the affected vessels, requiring correction to focus on arterial pathology for both conditions.

Choice C reason: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, causing narrowing, while arteriosclerosis is the general loss of arterial elasticity and hardening, including atherosclerosis. This is the correct distinction, accurately describing the difference in their pathological processes for the nurse’s understanding.

Choice D reason: Neither atherosclerosis nor arteriosclerosis is fully reversible, though lifestyle changes can slow progression. This is incorrect, as the distinction lies in plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) versus general hardening (arteriosclerosis), not reversibility, requiring clarification of their chronic nature.

Choice A reason: Diuretics can cause orthostatic hypotension by reducing blood volume, leading to dizziness. Rising slowly from a seated position minimizes this risk, making it a critical teaching point for safe diuretic use in a 69-year-old with hypertension, ensuring patient safety and adherence.

Choice B reason: Taking diuretics at bedtime is not advised, as they increase urination, causing nocturnal disturbances. Morning dosing is preferred to avoid sleep disruption, making this incorrect, as the nurse should teach daytime administration for better patient comfort and compliance.

Choice C reason: Expecting increased foot swelling is incorrect, as diuretics reduce edema by promoting fluid excretion. Swelling suggests inadequate control or complications, requiring reporting, not expectation, making this an incorrect teaching point for diuretic therapy in hypertension management.

Choice D reason: Consuming high-sodium foods counteracts diuretics’ effect, as sodium retention increases blood pressure and fluid overload. Low-sodium diets are recommended, making this incorrect, as the nurse should teach sodium restriction to enhance diuretic efficacy and hypertension control.