A patient is diagnosed with primary hypertension and asks the nurse what caused the condition.
Which response would the nurse give?

Choice A rationale:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, sleep, and other functions in the body. It is not a component that forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures in the clotting process.

Choice B rationale:

Platelet factor III is not a component that forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures in the clotting process. Platelet factor III is not widely recognized in the context of clotting; it is more commonly referred to as tissue factor and is involved in the extrinsic pathway of coagulation.

Choice C rationale:

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in hemostasis. It forms an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures, particularly at sites of vascular injury. VWF helps platelets adhere to the injured vessel wall, leading to the formation of a stable blood clot. This process is essential for preventing excessive bleeding. A deficiency or dysfunction in VWF can lead to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged bleeding times.

Choice D rationale:

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is a molecule released by platelets when they are activated. ADP helps in the aggregation of platelets, but it does not directly form an adhesive bridge between platelets and vascular subendothelial structures.

The correct answer is B. Hypertonic saltwater.

Choice A rationale: Hypotonic saltwater would not cause significant fluid shifts into the alveoli. Instead, it would cause cells to swell due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cells.

Choice B rationale: Hypertonic saltwater causes fluid to be drawn from the vascular space into the alveoli due to the higher concentration of solutes in the water compared to the body's cells. This can impair alveolar ventilation and result in hypoxia.

Choice C rationale: Hypotonic freshwater would cause cells to swell and potentially burst due to the lower concentration of solutes outside the cells, but it would not specifically cause fluid to be drawn into the alveoli.

Choice D rationale: Hypertonic freshwater is not a common classification for drowning water. Freshwater is typically hypotonic compared to body fluids, and it would not cause the same fluid shift as hypertonic saltwater.