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. Perception. Perception occurs when the brain processes and interprets the pain signal, which happens after the stimulus has been converted and transmitted.
B. Transduction. Transduction is the process where a painful stimulus, such as touching a hot stove, causes cellular damage, leading to the release of chemical mediators that convert the stimulus into a pain impulse.
C. Modulation. Modulation involves the body's response to pain, including the release of endorphins to inhibit pain signals and reduce pain sensation.
D. Transmission. Transmission refers to the movement of the pain impulse from the site of injury to the spinal cord and brain, occurring after transduction has taken place.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 4+. A 4+ pulse is bounding and strong, often seen in conditions like fever, anemia, or fluid overload. This does not match the description of a weak pulse.
B. 3+. A 3+ pulse is stronger than normal but not bounding. This is not considered weak.
C. 2+. A 2+ pulse is normal and easily palpable, which does not indicate the weakened pulse described in the patient.
D. 1+. A 1+ pulse is weak and thready, meaning it is difficult to palpate and easily disappears with slight pressure. This grading is appropriate for a hypotensive patient with poor perfusion.
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.