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 C
Explanation
The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood out of the heart and into systemic circulation, which requires generating enough pressure to overcome the resistance of the systemic blood vessels. Therefore, the left ventricle has thicker and more muscular walls than the right ventricle and can generate higher pressures during contraction. In contrast, the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, which have lower resistance compared to the systemic circulation, and therefore do not need to generate as high pressures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Mitral stenosis refers to a narrowing of the mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. This narrowing can cause incomplete emptying of blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle during diastole (relaxation phase) of the cardiac cycle. This can lead to increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary circulation, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and pulmonary con
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