A patient presents to a primary care provider reporting chest pain and is diagnosed with stable angina and atherosclerosis. This disease is caused by:
Abnormally dilated arteries and veins.
Deep vein thrombosis.
Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, leading to the narrowing of arteries.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Abnormally dilated arteries and veins, also known as aneurysms and varicose veins respectively, can occur due to various conditions. However, they are not the primary cause of stable angina and atherosclerosis. Aneurysms involve an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel, while varicose veins refer to enlarged, twisted veins commonly found in the legs. These conditions do not directly cause the chronic narrowing of arteries that characterize atherosclerosis and lead to stable angina.
Choice B reason: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Although DVT is a serious medical condition that can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs, it is not related to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis or stable angina. DVT involves venous circulation, whereas atherosclerosis and angina involve the arterial system, specifically the coronary arteries.
Choice C reason: Abnormal thickening and hardening of blood vessel walls, also known as atherosclerosis, is the primary cause of stable angina. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arterial walls, leading to their hardening and narrowing. This process reduces blood flow to the heart muscle, causing ischemia, which presents as chest pain, known as angina. Stable angina is a symptom of this chronic condition, which can lead to more severe cardiovascular events if left untreated.
Choice D reason: Autonomic nervous system dysfunction involves abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. While autonomic dysfunction can contribute to various cardiovascular issues and symptoms such as irregular heartbeats or blood pressure changes, it is not the underlying cause of atherosclerosis or stable angina. Atherosclerosis is primarily a disease of the arterial walls, while autonomic dysfunction pertains to the regulation of bodily systems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Seizures with auras can involve sensory disturbances before the seizure event, but they do not typically present with fever, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), or decreased consciousness. These symptoms suggest an infectious or inflammatory process, not a seizure disorder.
Choice B reason: Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). It does not present with acute fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, or altered consciousness, nor is it associated with a history of sinusitis. The symptoms described are more indicative of an infectious condition rather than a chronic degenerative disease.
Choice C reason: Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nuchal rigidity, and altered consciousness. The history of sinusitis suggests a possible route of infection, as bacteria from the sinuses can spread to the meninges. The clinical presentation strongly supports the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
Choice D reason: Migraines can cause severe headaches and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. However, they do not typically cause fever, nuchal rigidity, or decreased consciousness. The presence of fever and neck stiffness suggests an infectious etiology rather than a primary headache disorder like migraines.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measures to decrease LDL levels in the elderly would indeed affect the progression of cardiovascular disease. Lowering LDL levels through lifestyle changes, medication, or both can significantly reduce the risk of further heart-related events and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because managing LDL levels remains crucial for elderly patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
Choice B reason: Increased LDL levels are not specifically indicative of moderate alcohol intake. While excessive alcohol consumption can affect lipid levels, the primary significance of elevated LDL is its association with the risk of cardiovascular disease, not alcohol intake. Therefore, advising patients to abstain from alcohol based solely on increased LDL levels is not a precise recommendation.
Choice C reason: Increased LDL levels are directly associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. This condition narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is crucial in preventing the progression of CAD, especially in patients with a history of myocardial infarction.
Choice D reason: Elevated LDL levels are not simply an expected finding in the elderly and should not be dismissed as insignificant. Regardless of age, high LDL levels are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Elderly patients, particularly those with a history of myocardial infarction, should have their LDL levels monitored and managed to reduce the risk of future heart-related events.
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.