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 ["3"]
Explanation
Calculation:
To determine the number of capsules per dose, use the formula:
Capsules per dose = Dose ordered/ Dose available
Given:
- Ordered dose = 600 mg
- Available dose = 200 mg per capsule
Capsules per dose = 600mg/ (200mg/capsule)
= 3 capsules
Thus, the nurse will administer 3 capsules per dose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Family members report that pain has subsided. Pain is a subjective experience, and the patient's own report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief, not the observations of family members.
B. Vital signs have returned to baseline. While pain can affect vital signs, such as increasing heart rate or blood pressure, their return to normal does not necessarily indicate adequate pain relief. Some patients may still experience significant pain despite stable vital signs.
C. Body language is incongruent with reports of pain relief. Nonverbal cues can be helpful in assessing pain, but they should not override the patient’s self-reported pain level, which is the most accurate measure.
D. You compare assessed pain with baseline pain. The best way to evaluate the effectiveness of PCA analgesia is to assess the patient’s pain level before and after medication administration, comparing it to baseline pain. This provides an objective measure of pain relief.
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