A community health nurse teaches a group of seniors at an assisted living facility about modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The nurse knows that the teaching was effective based on which of the following statements?

A. Retinal Hemorrhage

Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to retinal hemorrhages. This can result in vision problems and, in severe cases, vision loss.

B. Ventricular Hypertrophy

Uncontrolled hypertension causes the heart to pump against increased resistance, leading to the thickening and enlargement of the left ventricle. Ventricular hypertrophy is a response to the increased workload on the heart and is associated with an increased risk of heart failure.

C. Cerebrovascular Disease

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, including strokes. Elevated blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Strokes can have serious consequences, affecting various neurological functions.

D. Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is not typically directly associated with uncontrolled hypertension. It is more commonly related to problems with the venous system, such as damaged valves in the veins, leading to poor blood flow back to the heart. While hypertension can affect arteries, venous insufficiency is a distinct condition.

E. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. TIAs are often considered warning signs of an increased risk of stroke.

A. The client now has developed a myocardial infarction:

A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is characterized by prolonged ischemia leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. While the symptoms described could be concerning for a heart attack, the term "myocardial infarction" would typically imply a more sustained and severe ischemic event.

B. The client has developed Prinzmetal's angina:

Prinzmetal's angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain that usually occurs at rest and is caused by vasospasm of the coronary arteries. The given scenario does not specifically describe the typical characteristics of Prinzmetal's angina.

C. The client now has stable angina:

Stable angina typically follows a predictable pattern and is relieved with rest and/or nitroglycerin. However, the scenario describes a change in the usual pattern of chest pain.

D. The client now has unstable angina:

Unstable angina is characterized by a change in the usual pattern of stable angina, often occurring at rest or with minimal exertion and not relieved by usual measures. This option seems to align with the information provided.