The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic hypertension whose blood pressure has been 160/90 for the last three clinic visits. What new symptom indicates that the patient may be experiencing target organ damage?
Muscle cramps
Bounding pulses
Vision changes
Increased energy
The Correct Answer is C
A. Muscle cramps: While muscle cramps can occur with hypertension, they are not specific indicators of target organ damage. Muscle cramps are more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances or peripheral vascular disease.
B. Bounding pulses: Bounding pulses can indicate increased stroke volume and cardiac output, which may occur in response to chronic hypertension. However, they are not direct indicators of target organ damage.
C. Vision changes: Vision changes, such as blurred vision or vision loss, can be indicative of hypertensive retinopathy, a complication of chronic hypertension affecting the blood vessels in the retina. These changes may manifest as decreased visual acuity, floaters, or even sudden vision loss and are considered signs of target organ damage.
D. Increased energy: Increased energy is not typically associated with target organ damage in the context of chronic hypertension. It may be a result of various factors unrelated to hypertension, such as improved sleep quality or changes in lifestyle habits.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Following proper handwashing and use of masks: While handwashing and wearing masks are important infection control measures, they are not specific to preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. While HBV can be present in blood and certain body fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids, the primary modes of transmission are through activities that involve percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or accidental needlesticks. While hand hygiene and mask use are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of various infections, including HBV, they may not offer sufficient protection against HBV transmission in all situations.
B. Avoiding chemicals that are toxic and polluted air: While avoiding toxic chemicals and polluted air is important for overall health and may support liver health indirectly, it is not directly related to preventing HBV infection. HBV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids rather than environmental factors such as air pollution or exposure to toxic chemicals.
C. Public health education and vaccination: This is the most appropriate measure for preventing HBV infection. Public health education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the risks of HBV transmission and promoting behaviors that reduce the risk of exposure, such as safe sex practices, avoiding sharing needles, and seeking medical care for potential exposures. Additionally, vaccination against HBV is highly effective in preventing infection and is recommended for all individuals, particularly those at increased risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who inject drugs. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall prevalence of HBV in the population.
D. Limiting alcohol intake of red and white wine: While limiting alcohol intake is important for liver health, particularly in individuals with liver disease, it is not specifically aimed at preventing HBV infection. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to liver damage and may exacerbate liver disease in individuals infected with HBV. However, it does not directly address the risk of HBV transmission.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The partial thromboplastin time is 30 seconds:
The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) measures the clotting time of blood and is typically used to monitor patients on heparin therapy, not warfarin. A PTT of 30 seconds is within the normal range and does not directly relate to warfarin therapy. Therefore, it does not require immediate follow-up in the context of warfarin administration.
B. The International normalized ratio is 6.0:
The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a standard measure used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. For most indications, the therapeutic range for INR is typically between 2.0 and 3.0. A value of 6.0 indicates that the patient's blood is taking six times longer to clot than normal, suggesting a significantly increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, this result requires immediate follow-up by the nurse to assess the patient's condition and potentially adjust warfarin dosage to reduce the risk of bleeding.
C. Creatinine is 12:
Creatinine is a waste product generated by muscle metabolism and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Elevated levels of creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function, but this result does not directly relate to warfarin therapy. While an elevated creatinine level may require follow-up for other reasons, it does not necessitate immediate action related to warfarin therapy.
D. The patient's hematocrit level is 43%:
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit level of 43% is within the normal range for both men and women and does not directly relate to warfarin therapy. While changes in hematocrit may occur in some patients taking warfarin, this result alone does not require immediate follow-up in the context of warfarin administration.
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