A nurse is caring for a client in an outpatient clinic.
Click to highlight the findings that are risk factors for the client developing a complication. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.
Nurses' Notes
3 months ago:
61-year-old male client presents with reports of dizziness, palpitations, fatigue. and dyspnea with exertion. Reports that dizziness and palpitations started 2 months ago. Fatigue and dyspnea with exertion started 1 week ago. Has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 40 years.
Past medical history.
History of hyperlipidemia.
Walks at least a mile three times a week. Reports drinking two to three beers each evening
Client reports he follows the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
Family history.
Biological father has a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Biological mother has history of renal failure requiring dialysis.
Physical examination:
- Weight 88.6 kg (195.3 lb)
- Height 170.2 cm (5 ft 7 in)
- BMI 30.5
61-year-old male
Has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 40 years.
History of hyperlipidemia.
Walks at least a mile three times a week.
Reports drinking two to three beers each evening
Client reports he follows the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
Biological father has a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension.
Biological mother has history of renal failure requiring dialysis.
BMI 30.5
The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","G","H","I"]
Rationale for correct choices
• 61-year-old male: Advanced age and male sex increase the risk of cardiovascular complications such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. Aging contributes to arterial stiffness, reduced cardiac reserve, and higher likelihood of comorbidities, all of which elevate the risk profile for this client.
• Has smoked 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 40 years: Chronic smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Long-term tobacco use promotes endothelial damage, increases LDL cholesterol, and impairs oxygen delivery, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk.
• History of hyperlipidemia: Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides predispose the client to plaque formation in arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Hyperlipidemia is a key risk factor for complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke, especially when combined with other comorbidities.
• Reports drinking two to three beers each evening: Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Chronic alcohol intake can also exacerbate hyperlipidemia and increase the risk of liver disease, compounding cardiovascular and systemic complications.
• BMI 30.5: A BMI above 30 classifies the client as obese, which increases the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Obesity contributes to metabolic syndrome and further stresses the cardiovascular system, making the client more prone to complications.
• Family history: Biological father with hyperlipidemia and hypertension, Biological mother with renal failure: A strong family history of cardiovascular and renal disease increases the client’s genetic susceptibility to these conditions. Inherited risk factors, when combined with lifestyle factors, significantly elevate the likelihood of developing complications such as heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or stroke.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Walks at least a mile three times a week: Regular physical activity is protective, not a risk factor, for cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Exercise helps improve lipid profile, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health, mitigating some of the client’s other risk factors.
• Client reports he follows the DASH diet: Adhering to the DASH diet is a positive lifestyle behavior that reduces blood pressure, supports heart health, and lowers the risk of stroke or heart disease. It is not a risk factor; rather, it is a mitigating factor against cardiovascular complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Serum calcium level: Cushing’s disease does not typically cause elevated calcium levels. Calcium levels are usually normal unless there is an underlying bone disorder or concurrent condition affecting calcium metabolism.
B. Lymphocyte count: Cortisol excess in Cushing’s disease suppresses the immune system, leading to lymphopenia rather than an increased lymphocyte count. A decreased lymphocyte count is more consistent with the disease process.
C. Serum glucose level: Elevated cortisol levels increase gluconeogenesis and decrease glucose uptake by cells, resulting in hyperglycemia. Clients with Cushing’s disease often exhibit elevated blood glucose as a direct effect of excess cortisol.
D. Serum potassium level: Cortisol has mineralocorticoid activity, promoting potassium excretion by the kidneys. As a result, clients with Cushing’s disease commonly have hypokalemia rather than increased serum potassium levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who is 4 hr postpartum and has a heart rate of 90/min: A heart rate of 90/min is within normal postpartum limits. This client is stable and does not require immediate assessment, making them a lower priority compared to clients showing signs of possible infection or complications.
B. A client who is 4 days postpartum and has a WBC count of 18,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): An elevated WBC count 4 days postpartum can indicate a serious infection, such as endometritis or another postpartum infection. This client is at risk for rapid deterioration and requires immediate assessment and intervention.
C. A client who is 12 hr postpartum and has an oral temperature of 37.8° C (100° F): A mild temperature elevation shortly after birth can be expected due to normal postpartum physiologic changes. While it should be monitored, it is not as urgent as the markedly elevated WBC count indicating potential infection.
D. A client who is 2 days postpartum and reports dysuria: Dysuria may indicate a urinary tract infection, which requires evaluation, but this is less immediately threatening than a client with signs of systemic infection. This client should be assessed after clients with potential severe infection or hemodynamic instability.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
