What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the loss of elasticity, whereas arteriosclerosis is the buildup of plaque

Atherosclerosis involves the veins, whereas arteriosclerosis involves the arteries

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque, whereas arteriosclerosis is the loss of elasticity

Atherosclerosis is reversible, whereas arteriosclerosis is not

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Atherosclerosis involves plaque buildup, not loss of elasticity, while arteriosclerosis is the general hardening of arteries, including elasticity loss. This reverses the definitions, making it incorrect, as the nurse must clarify that atherosclerosis is plaque-related and arteriosclerosis is broader vessel hardening.

Choice B reason: Both atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis affect arteries, not veins. Atherosclerosis involves plaque, while arteriosclerosis includes any arterial hardening. This is incorrect, as it misidentifies the affected vessels, requiring correction to focus on arterial pathology for both conditions.

Choice C reason: Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in arteries, causing narrowing, while arteriosclerosis is the general loss of arterial elasticity and hardening, including atherosclerosis. This is the correct distinction, accurately describing the difference in their pathological processes for the nurse’s understanding.

Choice D reason: Neither atherosclerosis nor arteriosclerosis is fully reversible, though lifestyle changes can slow progression. This is incorrect, as the distinction lies in plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) versus general hardening (arteriosclerosis), not reversibility, requiring clarification of their chronic nature.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Pulmonary embolism obstructs pulmonary arteries, impairing gas exchange and causing hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy is the priority to correct hypoxia, stabilize respiratory status, and prevent tissue damage. This addresses the immediate life-threatening complication, ensuring adequate oxygen delivery before other interventions like fluids or monitoring are implemented.

Choice B reason: IV lactated Ringer’s supports volume status but is not the priority in pulmonary embolism, where hypoxemia is the primary threat. Oxygen therapy directly addresses impaired gas exchange, while fluids are secondary to stabilize hemodynamics, making this a less urgent intervention in this acute scenario.

Choice C reason: IV morphine relieves pain and anxiety in pulmonary embolism but does not address the primary issue of hypoxemia. Oxygen therapy is critical to correct low oxygen saturation, preventing organ damage, making morphine a secondary intervention compared to the immediate need for oxygenation.

Choice D reason: Cardiac monitoring is important to detect arrhythmias in pulmonary embolism but is not the priority over oxygen therapy. Hypoxemia is the immediate life-threatening issue, requiring oxygen to restore gas exchange, making monitoring a supportive, not primary, intervention in the acute management of this condition.

A. Secondary hypertension B. Malignant hypertension C. Primary hypertension D. Accelerated hypertension

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Secondary hypertension has an identifiable cause, like renal disease, and accounts for about 10% of cases. Primary hypertension, with no known cause, is far more common, making this an incorrect term, as it does not describe the majority of hypertension cases seen clinically.

Choice B reason: Malignant hypertension is a severe, rapidly progressing form with organ damage, not the common form of hypertension. Primary hypertension, with no identifiable cause, represents 90% of cases, making this term incorrect, as it refers to a rare, acute condition, not the typical presentation.

Choice C reason: Primary hypertension, also called essential hypertension, has no identifiable cause and accounts for approximately 90% of cases. It develops gradually, influenced by genetics and lifestyle, making this the correct term to describe the most common form of persistently elevated blood pressure.

Choice D reason: Accelerated hypertension involves rapid blood pressure elevation with organ damage, not the typical chronic, idiopathic form. Primary hypertension, without a known cause, is the predominant type, making this term incorrect, as it describes a severe, less common variant of hypertension.

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What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which term is used to describe persistently elevated blood pressure with an unknown cause that accounts for approximately 90% of hypertension cases?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

What is the primary goal of initiating antihypertensive therapy in Mr. Carter?

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The nurse is collecting data on a patient with an aortic aneurysm. Which manifestation should the nurse expect to find?

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A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who has peripheral arterial disease. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching to explain the cause of peripheral arterial disease?

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Which dietary recommendation aligns with the DASH diet for Mr. Carter?

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