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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. The given reading of 142/91 mm Hg indicates elevated blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Prehypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89 mm Hg. The diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg places this patient in the stage 1 hypertension category.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension, stage 2, is characterized by a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. While the systolic reading meets the criteria, the diastolic reading of 91 mm Hg falls into the stage 1 hypertension category.
Correct Answer is ["C","B"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Anemia is not a direct manifestation of target organ damage from hypertension.
Choice B rationale:
Aneurysm is a correct answer. Persistent high blood pressure can weaken the walls of arteries, making them more susceptible to forming an aneurysm. Aneurysms can occur in various arteries, such as the aorta, and can lead to life-threatening complications if they rupture.
Choice C rationale:
Proteinuria is also a correct answer. Hypertension can damage the kidneys, leading to proteinuria, the presence of excess proteins in the urine. This is an indication of kidney damage and is a common manifestation of hypertensive target organ disease.
Choice D rationale:
Pneumonia and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) are not direct manifestations of target organ damage from hypertension.
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