Listen.
A patient presents with silent ischemia.
Which assessment finding is typical with this condition?

Choice A rationale:

A high-sodium diet is a risk factor for hypertension but is not directly associated with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis primarily involves the buildup of plaque within the arteries, which can lead to the narrowing and hardening of these blood vessels. While hypertension is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the choice does not correctly address the question, as it asks for risk factors associated with atherosclerosis specifically.

Choice B rationale:

Advanced age is indeed a risk factor for atherosclerosis. As individuals age, the risk of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases increases. Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition that develops over time, and older individuals are more likely to have accumulated risk factors contributing to its development. Therefore, this choice is correct in identifying an associated risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Choice C rationale:

The correct answer is choice C because hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, have been linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. This choice is accurate in identifying a specific risk factor for atherosclerosis and aligns with current medical knowledge.

Choice D rationale:

A low-potassium diet is not a direct risk factor for atherosclerosis. While potassium intake can affect blood pressure regulation, it is not one of the primary risk factors for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is primarily related to factors like high cholesterol levels, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Therefore, this choice is not correct in the context of risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should use the principle that the myocardium is rigid to guide nursing care for a patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by the stiffening of the myocardium, which restricts the ability of the heart to fill with blood properly. This rigidity of the myocardium impairs diastolic function, leading to reduced cardiac output. Nursing care for patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy focuses on reducing symptoms and improving cardiac function. This involves strategies to reduce the workload on the heart, such as salt and fluid restriction, medications to manage heart failure symptoms, and possibly diuretics to reduce volume overload. Additionally, managing comorbid conditions and providing emotional support are essential components of care.

Choice B rationale:

Dilated myocardium is not a characteristic of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a separate type of heart muscle disorder characterized by an enlarged and weakened left ventricle.

Choice C rationale:

Hypertrophied myocardium is not a characteristic of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a different type of heart muscle disorder characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle.

Choice D rationale:

Thickened myocardium is not typically associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Thickening of the myocardium is more commonly seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.