A client with primary hypertension reports dizziness with ambulation when taking the prescribed alpha-adrenergic blocker. When teaching this client, what should the nurse emphasize?

Increasing fluids to maintain BP

Taking medication first thing in the morning

Stopping medication if dizziness persists

Rising slowly from a lying or sitting position

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Increasing fluids to maintain BP: While staying well-hydrated is generally beneficial for overall health and blood pressure management, increasing fluids is not the primary intervention for dizziness associated with alpha-adrenergic blockers. Alpha-blockers can cause orthostatic hypotension, which may lead to dizziness upon standing, especially if rising quickly.

B. Taking medication first thing in the morning: Taking medication in the morning is a common recommendation for many medications, including some antihypertensive drugs. However, for alpha-adrenergic blockers that can cause orthostatic hypotension, timing of medication administration is not the primary concern in addressing dizziness.

C. Stopping medication if dizziness persists: Abruptly stopping medication without consulting a healthcare provider is not recommended, especially for antihypertensive medications. It's important for clients to follow their prescribed treatment plan and communicate any side effects or concerns to their healthcare provider for appropriate management.

D. Rising slowly from a lying or sitting position: This is the correct emphasis for the nurse. Alpha-adrenergic blockers can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. To minimize this risk, the client should be advised to rise slowly from lying down or sitting to standing positions. This gradual movement helps the body adjust to changes in blood pressure more effectively.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Hypertension is the leading cause of death in people your age.": While hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality, stating it as the leading cause of death without specific context or statistical data may not provide the most informative response to the client's question.

B. "Hypertension puts you at increased risk of type 1 diabetes and cancer in your age group.": Hypertension is primarily associated with cardiovascular risks such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. While it can contribute to overall health risks, it is not typically linked directly to type 1 diabetes or cancer in the context of this client's question.

C. "Hypertension can cause you to develop dangerous blood clots in your legs that can migrate to your lungs.": While hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), these are not the primary risks that are typically emphasized when discussing the importance of treating hypertension.

D. "Hypertension greatly increases your risk of stroke and heart disease.": This response is the most relevant and specific to the client's question. Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease (including heart attack and heart failure), and other cardiovascular complications. By treating hypertension and controlling blood pressure within recommended targets, the client can significantly reduce the risk of these serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

A. The symptoms indicate an acute coronary episode and should be treated as such. B. The symptoms indicate angina and should be treated as such. C. Treatment should be determined pending the results of an exercise stress test. D. The symptoms indicate a pulmonary etiology rather than a cardiac etiology.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The symptoms indicate an acute coronary episode and should be treated as such:

The client's symptoms, including sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest and a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), strongly suggest an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Pale, cool skin can also be indicative of decreased perfusion due to cardiac compromise. Given these critical signs and symptoms, the nurse should interpret this as a potential cardiac emergency and initiate immediate interventions aimed at managing and stabilizing the client's condition.

B. The symptoms indicate angina and should be treated as such:

While angina can present with symptoms such as chest pain, it is typically relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the client in this scenario has midsternal chest pain that is not relieved with rest, which is more indicative of an acute coronary event like a myocardial infarction. Therefore, interpreting the symptoms as angina and treating them as such may not be appropriate given the severity and persistence of the chest pain.

C. Treatment should be determined pending the results of an exercise stress test:

Waiting for the results of an exercise stress test is not appropriate in this scenario, as the client's presentation suggests an acute cardiac event that requires immediate intervention. Exercise stress tests are typically used for diagnostic purposes to assess cardiovascular function under controlled conditions but are not suitable for managing acute coronary episodes or emergencies.

D. The symptoms indicate a pulmonary etiology rather than a cardiac etiology:

While some symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, can overlap between cardiac and pulmonary conditions, the client's presentation with sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, pale cool skin, and a history of CAD strongly suggests a cardiac etiology, specifically an acute coronary event. It is essential to prioritize cardiac assessment and intervention based on the client's symptoms and medical history.

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A client with primary hypertension reports dizziness with ambulation when taking the prescribed alpha-adrenergic blocker. When teaching this client, what should the nurse emphasize?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Family members bring a client to the ED with pale cool skin, sudden midsternal chest pain unrelieved with rest, and a history of CAD. How should the nurse best interpret these initial data?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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