During an assessment of an older adult, the nurse should expect to which finding as a normal physiologic change associated with the aging process?
Narrowing of the inferior vena cava, causing low blood flow and increases in venous pressure resulting in varicosities
Progressive atrophy of the intramuscular calf veins, causing venous insufficiency
Peripheral blood vessels growing more rigid with age, producing a rise in systolic blood pressure
Hormonal changes causing vasodilation and a resulting drop in blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Narrowing of the inferior vena cava, causing low blood flow and increases in venous pressure resulting in varicosities. The inferior vena cava does not significantly narrow with aging. Varicosities are more commonly due to valve insufficiency in the veins rather than vena cava narrowing.
B. Progressive atrophy of the intramuscular calf veins, causing venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is common in older adults, but it is primarily due to valve dysfunction and prolonged venous pressure rather than atrophy of calf veins.
C. Peripheral blood vessels growing more rigid with age, producing a rise in systolic blood pressure. Aging leads to arteriosclerosis, where blood vessels become stiffer, reducing their ability to expand and contract, which contributes to increased systolic blood pressure. This is a well-documented normal physiologic change in older adults.
D. Hormonal changes causing vasodilation and a resulting drop in blood pressure. While some hormonal changes occur with aging, they do not typically lead to significant vasodilation. In fact, the loss of vascular elasticity and autonomic dysfunction can contribute to postural hypotension, but not a generalized drop in blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Record the pulse as "0" (zero) for that site. A pulse should never be documented as absent without first using a Doppler device to confirm whether blood flow is present.
B. Use a Doppler device to locate and assess the pulse. If a pulse is difficult to palpate, a Doppler ultrasound should be used to detect blood flow before making any conclusions about circulation status.
C. Come back in 15 minutes and reassess. If the pulse is weak or difficult to locate, immediate assessment with a Doppler is needed instead of delaying evaluation.
D. Report the finding to the physician. While a physician should be notified if a pulse remains undetectable even with a Doppler, the nurse must first verify the absence of a pulse before escalating the concern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 104.4°F. This temperature is consistent with heatstroke, a life-threatening condition characterized by hot, dry skin, confusion, and tachycardia. Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate temperature, often exceeding 104°F (40°C).
B. 99.2°F. A temperature of 99.2°F is only slightly elevated and does not match the severe hyperthermia expected in heatstroke.
C. 100.8°F. While this temperature is above normal, it is not high enough to indicate heatstroke, which typically involves temperatures above 104°F.
D. 102.2°F. This temperature suggests heat exhaustion, a milder form of heat-related illness, but heatstroke involves higher temperatures exceeding 104°F.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.