The blood pressure (BP) of a 71-year-old patient admitted with pneumonia is 160/70 mm Hg. Which age-related change contributes to this finding?
Stenosis of the heart valves.
Decreased adrenergic sensitivity.
Increased parasympathetic activity.
Loss of elasticity in arterial vessels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Stenosis of the heart valves typically leads to murmurs and changes in heart sounds but does not directly impact blood pressure regulation.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased adrenergic sensitivity might lead to lower heart rate and blood pressure, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as seen in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Increased parasympathetic activity would lead to decreased heart rate, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as observed in the patient.
Choice D rationale:
Loss of elasticity in arterial vessels is the correct answer. With aging, arterial walls become less flexible and more rigid due to the accumulation of calcium and collagen. This loss of elasticity results in increased systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading. The diastolic pressure, represented by the bottom number, does not usually increase significantly with age. This change is a result of arteriosclerosis, which commonly occurs in elderly individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fatigue can be a symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. Elevated blood pressure can strain the heart, leading to decreased cardiac output and inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues, which can result in fatigue.
Choice B rationale:
Dizziness is a common symptom of uncontrolled hypertension. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the inner ear to rupture or leak, leading to dizziness and balance issues.
Choice C rationale:
Palpitations, which are sensations of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeats, can occur in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension can lead to changes in the structure and function of the heart, causing palpitations.
Choice D rationale:
Cluster headaches are not directly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Cluster headaches are severe headaches that occur in clusters, often at the same time of day for several weeks. These headaches are not a typical symptom of hypertension.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased cobalamin levels are not indicative of polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera is characterized by an increase in the total red blood cell mass. Elevated cobalamin levels are not specific to this condition.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased histamine levels are not a diagnostic marker for polycythemia vera. Histamine levels are not typically associated with this disorder.
Choice C rationale:
Increased hemoglobin levels are a significant finding in polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera is a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells, leading to elevated hemoglobin levels.
Choice D rationale:
Increased red blood cell levels are a hallmark feature of polycythemia vera. The increased production of red blood cells leads to elevated red blood cell levels, which is a key diagnostic indicator for this condition.
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