Patient wants to know what causes atherosclerosis. How should the nurse respond? In general, atherosclerosis is caused by
High serum cholesterol levels
Endothelial injury and inflammation
An increase in antithrombotic substances
Congenital heart disease
The Correct Answer is B
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease process that involves the gradual buildup of plaques (fatty deposits) in the walls of arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow. The exact cause of atherosclerosis is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors
One of the key contributing factors to atherosclerosis is damage to the endothelial cells that line the walls of arteries. This damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, smoking, high levels of lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and other inflammatory factors. When the endothelial cells are damaged, they release chemicals that attract white blood cells to the area. These white blood cells then migrate into the arterial wall, where they begin to accumulate and form fatty deposits called plaques.
Over time, these plaques can grow and calcify, leading to further narrowing of the artery and reducing blood flow to the affected tissue. In addition, plaques can rupture and form blood clots, which can completely block blood flow to the affected area and cause a heart attack or stroke.
While high serum cholesterol levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, they are not the sole cause. Similarly, an increase in antithrombotic substances (substances that prevent blood clots) and congenital heart disease are not primary causes of atherosclerosis, although they may contribute to the disease process in some cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of medications that block the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to relaxation of these muscles and dilation of blood vessels.
In the heart, CCBs primarily affect the L-type calcium channels in the cardiac myocytes, which are responsible for the influx of calcium ions during the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential. By blocking these channels, CCBs decrease the amount of calcium that enters the cardiac myocytes, which in turn reduces the strength of cardiac contractions (i.e. contractility). 
This reduction in contractility can be beneficial in certain conditions where the heart is working too hard or experiencing insufficient blood flow, such as in hypertension, angina, or some forms of arrhythmia. By reducing the workload of the heart, CCBs can help to lower blood pressure, decrease oxygen demand, and improve blood flow to the heart.
While CCBs can also have effects on the rate and rhythm of cardiac contractions, these effects are generally less pronounced than the reduction in contractility. Some CCBs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, can slow the heart rate by blocking the L-type calcium channels in the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes, while others, such as nifedipine, have little effect on heart rate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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