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?

Choice A rationale:

Thrombus formation is a later stage event in coronary artery disease (CAD) and occurs after the development of fatty streaks. Thrombus formation usually happens due to the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, leading to platelet aggregation and clot formation.

Choice B rationale:

Formation of fibrous plaque in the endothelium is a progression that occurs after the initial development of fatty streaks. Fibrous plaques are formed as a response to the inflammation caused by fatty deposits. They are more stable than fatty streaks but can still lead to narrowing of the arteries.

Choice C rationale:

Reduction of blood flow through the coronary arteries is a consequence of atherosclerosis, which occurs after the initial development of fatty streaks. As the fatty deposits accumulate, they narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. However, this is not the initial change that makes patients susceptible to CAD.

Choice D rationale:

Development of fatty streaks in the smooth muscles of the endothelium is the initial change that occurs in the development of atherosclerosis, making patients susceptible to coronary artery disease. Fatty streaks are composed of lipid-laden macrophages and smooth muscle cells. Over time, these fatty streaks can progress into fibrous plaques and eventually lead to complications such as thrombus formation and reduced blood flow.

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.