A patient wants to know what causes atherosclerosis. How should the nurse respond? In general, atherosclerosis is caused by

Choice A reason: Abnormally dilated arteries and veins are not a result of atherosclerosis. They are a sign of aneurysms or varicose veins, which are caused by different factors.

Choice B reason: Arterial wall thinning and weakening are not a result of atherosclerosis. They are a sign of arteriosclerosis, which is a general term for the loss of elasticity and flexibility of the arteries.

Choice C reason: Autonomic nervous system imbalances are not a result of atherosclerosis. They are a sign of dysautonomia, which is a disorder of the nervous system that affects the regulation of vital functions.

Choice D reason: Abnormal thickening and hardening of vessel walls are a result of atherosclerosis. They are caused by the accumulation of plaque, which is composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and other materials.

Choice A reason: This is the correct statement. Non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers can interfere with the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as tachycardia, tremors, and sweating. They can also impair the glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in the body. Therefore, patients with diabetes who take non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers need to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and adjust their insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents accordingly.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct statement. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, do not interact with non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers. However, they can reduce the effectiveness of other antihypertensive medications, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors, by causing fluid retention and decreasing renal blood flow.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct statement. Non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers have a rapid onset of action and can lower the blood pressure within hours of administration. Therefore, patients do not need to wait for a few weeks to see if their dosage is effective. However, they may need periodic follow-up visits to monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct statement. Dizziness is a common side effect of non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers, especially when the patient changes position or stands up quickly. This is due to the orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) caused by the vasodilation effect of the medication. However, this does not mean that the patient should stop taking the medication, as this can cause rebound hypertension and other complications. Instead, the patient should rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, drink plenty of fluids, and report any severe or persistent dizziness to their health care provider.