The patient who has just undergone a CABG says to the nurse "I am cured of coronary artery disease" What is the nurse's best response to this statement?

A. "Controlling my blood pressure will decrease my risk of having a heart attack to some degree." This statement is accurate. Controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of developing ACS.

B. "Because I'm over 80, even a 20 mm Hg drop in my blood pressure can reduce my risk." Research indicates that even modest reductions in blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular events, especially in older adults.

C. "High blood pressure will increase my body's need for oxygen and increase my heart's workload." High blood pressure increases myocardial oxygen demand and can lead to ischemia, which is a precursor to ACS.

D. "My high blood pressure has no relationship to the severity of heart disease or its outcomes." This statement is false. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, including ACS, and it directly affects the severity and outcomes of heart disease.

A. Notify the health care provider: While it may eventually be necessary to notify the healthcare provider, the immediate action should involve confirming the balloon pressure, which is within the scope of respiratory therapy.

B. Call respiratory therapy to obtain the pressure within the balloon: This is the most appropriate action. Respiratory therapists are skilled in managing and measuring the cuff pressure to ensure it is within the correct range (typically 20-30 cm H2O).

C. Add air to the balloon port: Adding air without knowing the current pressure could lead to over inflation, which might cause tracheal injury.

D. Remove air from the balloon port: Similarly, removing air could lead to underinflation, increasing the risk of aspiration or inadequate ventilation.