The nurse notes that there is a difference in a patient's blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) when the patient changes position from supine to standing. The differences are a decrease of 20 mm Hg in systolic BP, a decrease of 10 mm Hg in diastolic BP, and an increase in the HR of 20 beats/minute.
Which interpretation would the nurse make about the patient's condition?

Hypertensive crisis.

An auscultatory gap.

Resistant hypertension.

Enlarged lymph nodes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Hypertensive crisis is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure, usually above 180/120 mm Hg. The given differences in blood pressure (a decrease of 20 mm Hg in systolic BP) do not indicate hypertensive crisis.

Choice B rationale:

An auscultatory gap refers to a temporary disappearance of sounds normally heard over the brachial artery during blood pressure measurement. This phenomenon can lead to inaccurate readings and might cause a delay in recognizing the true blood pressure values. In this case, the decrease in systolic BP when changing positions indicates the presence of an auscultatory gap, requiring the nurse to be vigilant during blood pressure measurements.

Choice C rationale:

Resistant hypertension is a term used when blood pressure remains above goal despite concurrent use of three antihypertensive agents of different classes. The given scenario does not indicate resistant hypertension but rather suggests a technical issue during blood pressure measurement due to the auscultatory gap.

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Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Palpitations are not directly related to a low hemoglobin level. They can occur due to various cardiac conditions but are not specific to anemia.

Choice B rationale:

Conjunctival pallor is a common physical finding in patients with low hemoglobin levels (anemia) Anemia leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, causing paleness in mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva.

Choice C rationale:

Sternal tenderness is not a typical finding associated with low hemoglobin levels. It is more often associated with conditions affecting the sternum or adjacent structures, such as infections or inflammation.

Choice D rationale:

A heart rate of 104 beats/min can be a compensatory response to anemia. When the body senses reduced oxygen levels due to anemia, the heart rate may increase to pump more blood and oxygen to vital organs, attempting to compensate for the low hemoglobin levels.

A. Triple-drug therapy. B. IV therapy. C. Quadruple-drug therapy. D. Cobalamin replacement therapy.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
Triple-drug therapy is not the standard treatment for pernicious anemia after a gastrectomy. Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by vitamin B12 deficiency due to the absence of intrinsic factor, which is essential for vitamin B12 absorption.
Choice B rationale:
IV therapy is a broad term and does not specify the treatment for pernicious anemia. In the context of pernicious anemia, cobalamin replacement therapy administered via intramuscular injections is the preferred treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Quadruple-drug therapy is not a recognized treatment for pernicious anemia. The primary treatment for pernicious anemia involves cobalamin replacement therapy to address the vitamin B12 deficiency.
Choice D rationale:
Cobalamin replacement therapy is the appropriate treatment for pernicious anemia after a gastrectomy. Since the patient lacks intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption, cobalamin replacement therapy bypasses the need for intrinsic factor and provides the necessary vitamin B12 directly.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient with a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL? Select all that apply.One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Which treatment is likely to be planned for a patient who develops pernicious anemia after a gastrectomy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient with thalassemia major who is receiving a blood transfusion shows signs of hemochromatosis.The nurse anticipates a prescription for which medication?

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) data corresponds with a patient's clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?

Which information would the nurse include when discussing pain due to chronic stable angina with the patient?

Which finding will the nurse expect in a patient who is hospitalized with stage I Hodgkin lymphoma?

Which finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient with a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL? Select all that apply.One, some, or all responses may be correct.

The nurse provides education to a patient about the symptoms of uncontrolled hypertension.Which symptom would the nurse include? Select all that apply.One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Which statement is true regarding hemophilia?

The nurse receives a health care provider's prescription to change a patient's IV from D5. half-normal saline with 40 mEq KCl/L to DSNS with 20 mEq KCl/L. Which set of serum laboratory values supports the rationale for this IV prescription change?