Patient wants to know what causes atherosclerosis. How should the nurse respond? In general, atherosclerosis is caused by
High serum cholesterol levels
Endothelial injury and inflammation
An increase in antithrombotic substances
Congenital heart disease
The Correct Answer is B
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease process that involves the gradual buildup of plaques (fatty deposits) in the walls of arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow. The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors
One of the key contributing factors to atherosclerosis is damage to the endothelial cells that line the walls of arteries. This damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and other inflammatory factors. When the endothelial cells are damaged, they release chemicals that attract white blood cells to the area. These white blood cells then migrate into the arterial wall, where they begin to accumulate and form fatty deposits called plaques.
Over time, these plaques can grow and calcify, leading to further narrowing of the artery and reducing blood flow to the affected tissue. In addition, plaques can rupture and form blood clots, which can completely block blood flow to the affected area and cause a heart attack or stroke.
While high serum cholesterol levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, they are not the sole cause. Similarly, an increase in antithrombotic substances (substances that prevent blood clots) and congenital heart disease are not primary causes of atherosclerosis, although they may contribute to the disease process in some cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, refers to high blood pressure that has no identifiable underlying cause. Risk factors for developing primary hypertension include a family history of hypertension, age, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and certain dietary factors.
Specifically, diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for hypertension due to the effects of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia on the blood vessels, as well as the increased prevalence of obesity and other comorbidities. Moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men) may actually have a protective effect against hypertension, but excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to the development of hypertension.
Asian race is not a significant risk factor for primary hypertension, although there may be differences in the prevalence and severity of hypertension among different racial and ethnic groups.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Continuous increases in left ventricular filling pressures can lead to pulmonary edema, which is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, and jugular vein distension are all conditions that can occur due to increased pressures in the left ventricle, but pulmonary edema is the most likely result of continuously increasing pressures.
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