At a community health fair, the blood pressure of a 62-year-old patient is 160/96 mmHg. The patient states "My blood pressure is usually much lower." What is the best response by the nurse?
Have your blood pressure checked again in 2 months.
Have your blood pressure checked within the next 48-72 hours.
Visit your health care provider within 1 week for a blood pressure check.
See your health care provider immediately.
The Correct Answer is D
A. This response may downplay the significance of the current elevated blood pressure reading. Given that the reading indicates stage 2 hypertension, waiting two months without further assessment could be inappropriate, as the patient may be at risk for complications.
B. This option suggests a follow-up in a reasonable timeframe. It acknowledges the need for a prompt reassessment but still allows for some delay. However, it may not convey the urgency that may be warranted given the current high reading.
C. While this option provides a specific timeframe for follow-up, it may also imply that the situation is less urgent than it is. A week could be too long to wait for someone with a reading indicative of hypertension, especially considering potential risks.
D. This is the best response because it prioritizes the patient's health by recommending immediate evaluation. The current blood pressure reading of 160/96 mmHg is significantly elevated and may warrant urgent assessment to rule out any underlying conditions, initiate management, and prevent complications such as cardiovascular events.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is characterized by high blood pressure without an identifiable or specific medical cause. It is the most common type of hypertension, and its development is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
B. This statement is misleading. While hypertension can be severe, primary hypertension is not defined by its severity or immediate life-threatening nature. Instead, primary hypertension can range from mild to severe, but the key characteristic is the absence of a specific underlying cause.
C. While treating hypertension is important, the term "essential" in primary hypertension refers to its lack of a known cause, not the urgency or necessity of treatment. This option could confuse the terminology as it does not accurately define the type of hypertension.
D. This statement describes secondary hypertension, which occurs as a result of another medical condition (e.g., kidney disease, hormonal disorders). Primary hypertension, in contrast, does not have a direct identifiable cause.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Rhonchi are abnormal lung sounds that result from obstruction or secretions in larger airways. They are more commonly associated with conditions like chronic bronchitis or COPD rather than tuberculosis. While TB can lead to various lung sounds, rhonchi are not a hallmark of the disease.
B. Weight gain is generally not associated with tuberculosis. In fact, TB often leads to weight loss due to factors like loss of appetite, increased metabolic demand, and systemic effects of the infection. Patients with active TB frequently present with cachexia (wasting) or weight loss, not weight gain.
C. Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a significant and classic symptom associated with tuberculosis, especially in cases involving pulmonary TB. It occurs due to the erosion of blood vessels in the lungs as the disease progresses. This makes it a strong correlating finding with a diagnosis of tuberculosis.
D. Frothy sputum is more characteristic of pulmonary edema or conditions such as congestive heart failure. In tuberculosis, sputum may be mucoid or purulent and sometimes contains blood, but it is not typically described as frothy.
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