The LPN/LVP is discussing types of hypertension with a patient. Which statement by the patient would reflect understanding of secondary hypertension?
"Permanent structural changes in my kidneys and eyes have already occurred."
"My blood pressure can return to normal with treatment of my kidney disease."
"I don't know the cause of my hypertension."
"My essential hypertension must be treated with medications."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "Permanent structural changes in my kidneys and eyes have already occurred.": This statement is more indicative of the complications of chronic, uncontrolled hypertension, whether primary or secondary. It does not reflect understanding that secondary hypertension is due to a specific, often treatable cause.
B. "My blood pressure can return to normal with treatment of my kidney disease.": This statement correctly reflects an understanding of secondary hypertension, which is caused by an underlying condition (like kidney disease). Treating the underlying condition can potentially normalize blood pressure.
C. "I don't know the cause of my hypertension.": This statement reflects primary (essential) hypertension, where the cause is generally unknown.
D. "My essential hypertension must be treated with medications.": This statement describes essential hypertension, not secondary. Essential hypertension typically requires lifelong medication management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reduce dietary purines.: This is more relevant for patients with gout, not osteoarthritis. Purine reduction helps control uric acid levels.
B. Begin a jogging program.: High-impact exercises like jogging can exacerbate knee pain and accelerate joint degeneration in osteoarthritis.
C. Maintain ideal body weight.: Maintaining an ideal body weight reduces stress on the knees and helps preserve joint function and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
D. Maintain normal uric acid levels.: Uric acid levels are related to gout, not osteoarthritis. Maintaining normal levels does not directly affect osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Has the patient been taking his medications as prescribed? This is the most important information to collect. Understanding the patient's medication adherence is crucial because if the patient is not taking his medications as prescribed, it could explain why his blood pressure is elevated. Noncompliance with medication regimens is a common cause of hypertensive urgency and can lead to severe complications. Therefore, knowing whether he has been taking his medications regularly and correctly would directly influence the management plan and help identify the cause of the current crisis.
Does the patient hurt anywhere else? While it’s important to assess for pain and discomfort to address immediate symptoms, this information does not directly address the potential cause of the elevated blood pressure. The patient already reported pain in the head, chest, and left leg, so the primary concern is managing his hypertensive urgency and understanding its underlying causes rather than identifying additional pain locations at this moment.
When does the patient take his furosemide? Knowing the timing of furosemide intake could provide insights into his diuretic therapy management and its potential impact on his blood pressure. However, it is less immediately relevant than understanding whether he has been taking all his medications as prescribed. This question might be more pertinent once medication adherence is confirmed to understand diuretic effects throughout the day.
Has the patient fallen before? This is relevant for assessing the risk of recurrent falls and potential underlying issues such as orthostatic hypotension or balance problems, which are crucial for long-term management and safety. However, it is not as immediately critical in the context of the current hypertensive urgency and the elevated blood pressure despite medication.
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