Your patient's blood pressure is 118/82. He asks you to explain "what the numbers mean." You reply:
"The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure on the arteries when the heart contracts."
"The numbers are within normal range and nothing to worry about."
The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand. The main thing to be concerned about is the top number, or systolic blood pressure."
"The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "The top number is the systolic blood pressure and reflects the pressure on the arteries when the heart contracts." The systolic pressure (118 mmHg) represents the force exerted on the arterial walls when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
B. "The numbers are within normal range and nothing to worry about." While 118/82 mmHg is within the normal range, this response does not explain what the numbers mean, which was the patient’s question.
C. "The concept of blood pressure is difficult to understand. The main thing to be concerned about is the top number, or systolic blood pressure." While the systolic pressure is important, the diastolic pressure is also crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. This response also discourages patient education.
D. "The bottom number is the diastolic pressure and reflects the stroke volume of the heart." Diastolic pressure (82 mmHg) represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, not stroke volume, which refers to the amount of blood ejected per heartbeat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Due to a specific stimulus. Pain can occur with or without an identifiable stimulus. Conditions like neuropathic pain or phantom limb pain exist without an obvious external cause.
B. Caused by a single physiological situation. Pain can result from multiple factors, including tissue damage, nerve dysfunction, inflammation, and psychological influences. It is not limited to one specific physiological cause.
C. Universally the same for everyone. Pain perception varies widely between individuals due to differences in pain tolerance, cultural background, past experiences, and psychological state.
D. Subjective. Pain is defined as whatever the patient says it is, making it a subjective experience. It cannot be measured objectively, and the best indicator of pain is the patient’s self-report.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Don't worry. The cancer prevents you from becoming addicted." This statement is incorrect because having cancer does not prevent addiction. However, appropriate pain management in patients with severe pain does not typically lead to addiction.
B. "That is a valid worry. I wouldn't want to become addicted." While acknowledging the patient’s concern is important, this response reinforces fear rather than providing reassurance based on medical evidence.
C. "My cousin was addicted to pain killers when he had cancer." This response is inappropriate because it is anecdotal and does not address the patient’s concern with factual medical information.
D. "Because you have severe pain, the medication is necessary. There is little chance of addiction as long as you take the medication as prescribed." This is the best response because it reassures the patient that pain control is a priority and that, when used correctly, the risk of addiction is minimal.
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