When assessing an older adult client, the nurse notes which age-related changes of the cardiovascular system that increase the risk for falls?
stiffening of the large arteries
rise in the systolic blood pressure
postural orthostatic hypotension
Decline of pacemaker cells in the sino-atrial node
The Correct Answer is C
A. Stiffening of the large arteries: Stiffening of the large arteries is a common age-related change and can contribute to increased systolic blood pressure. While this change can affect cardiovascular function, it does not directly increase the risk of falls as much as other factors.
B. Rise in the systolic blood pressure: An increase in systolic blood pressure often occurs with aging due to arterial stiffening. Elevated systolic blood pressure alone does not directly cause an increased risk of falls but is a part of the broader spectrum of cardiovascular changes.
C. Postural orthostatic hypotension: Postural orthostatic hypotension (OH) is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. This condition is common in older adults and significantly increases the risk of falls, as it can cause sudden dizziness and unsteadiness upon standing.
D. Decline of pacemaker cells in the sino-atrial node: The decline of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node can lead to bradycardia or irregular heart rhythms, which are related to cardiac function. While this can affect overall cardiovascular health, it does not directly contribute to the risk of falls as much as the sudden changes in blood pressure associated with postural orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Do you feel like crying often?": This question is more focused on assessing mood rather than cognitive function. While mood is an important aspect of mental health, it is not the primary focus in a neurological examination. The goal of a neurological assessment is to evaluate cognitive functions, orientation, and mental status.
B) "Do you have a history of psychotic disorder?": Asking about a history of psychotic disorders might be relevant in some contexts but does not directly assess the current mental status of the client. This question is more about past psychiatric history than current cognitive or neurological function.
C) "Can you tell me about your mood today?": While understanding a client’s mood can be valuable for overall mental health assessment, this question does not specifically assess cognitive functions or orientation. It is important to evaluate mood, but it is not the primary question for assessing neurological status.
D) "Can you tell me where you are right now?": This question is appropriate for assessing orientation, a key component of a neurological examination. Orientation questions assess a person's awareness of their current environment, which helps evaluate their cognitive function and mental status. This is directly relevant to a neurological assessment as it determines if the client is aware of their surroundings, which is crucial for understanding cognitive and neurological function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Tricuspid and mitral: The tricuspid and mitral valves are best auscultated over the areas where the heart's valves are closest to the chest wall, specifically at the lower left sternal border and the apex, respectively. A louder S2 in the 2nd intercostal space right sternal border does not indicate the closure of these valves.
B) Mitral and aortic: The mitral valve is auscultated at the apex, and the aortic valve is best heard at the 2nd intercostal space right sternal border. While a louder S2 may be associated with the aortic valve, it is not consistent with the mitral valve.
C) Aortic and pulmonic: The aortic valve and pulmonic valve are located in the areas where S2 (second heart sound) is predominantly heard. The aortic valve is located at the 2nd intercostal space right sternal border, and the pulmonic valve is heard at the 2nd intercostal space left sternal border. A louder S2 in the 2nd intercostal space right sternal border indicates a louder closure of the aortic valve and potentially the pulmonic valve as well.
D) Pulmonic and tricuspid: The pulmonic valve is auscultated at the 2nd intercostal space left sternal border, while the tricuspid valve is heard best at the lower left sternal border. A louder S2 in the 2nd intercostal space right sternal border does not indicate the closure of the tricuspid valve.
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