The blood pressure (BP) of a 71-year-old patient admitted with pneumonia is 160/70 mm Hg. Which age-related change contributes to this finding?
Stenosis of the heart valves.
Decreased adrenergic sensitivity.
Increased parasympathetic activity.
Loss of elasticity in arterial vessels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Stenosis of the heart valves typically leads to murmurs and changes in heart sounds but does not directly impact blood pressure regulation.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased adrenergic sensitivity might lead to lower heart rate and blood pressure, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as seen in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Increased parasympathetic activity would lead to decreased heart rate, not an increase in systolic blood pressure as observed in the patient.
Choice D rationale:
Loss of elasticity in arterial vessels is the correct answer. With aging, arterial walls become less flexible and more rigid due to the accumulation of calcium and collagen. This loss of elasticity results in increased systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a blood pressure reading. The diastolic pressure, represented by the bottom number, does not usually increase significantly with age. This change is a result of arteriosclerosis, which commonly occurs in elderly individuals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Palpitations are not directly related to a low hemoglobin level. They can occur due to various cardiac conditions but are not specific to anemia.
Choice B rationale:
Conjunctival pallor is a common physical finding in patients with low hemoglobin levels (anemia) Anemia leads to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, causing paleness in mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva.
Choice C rationale:
Sternal tenderness is not a typical finding associated with low hemoglobin levels. It is more often associated with conditions affecting the sternum or adjacent structures, such as infections or inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
A heart rate of 104 beats/min can be a compensatory response to anemia. When the body senses reduced oxygen levels due to anemia, the heart rate may increase to pump more blood and oxygen to vital organs, attempting to compensate for the low hemoglobin levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Spasm of a major coronary artery, also known as variant (Prinzmetal's) angina, typically occurs at rest and is not necessarily provoked by exertion. The patient's chest pain is exacerbated by exertion, making this choice less likely.
Choice B rationale:
Exposure of the thrombogenic surface to plaque refers to acute coronary syndromes like unstable angina or myocardial infarction. While plaque rupture and thrombosis can cause myocardial ischemia, the characteristic feature of these conditions is chest pain that may not be relieved by rest, unlike the patient described here.
Choice D rationale:
Myocardial ischemia secondary to microvascular disease, also known as cardiac syndrome X, is a condition where chest pain occurs without significant coronary artery stenosis. However, this condition usually affects women, and the pain is often unrelated to exertion. In the given case, the pain is provoked by exertion, making this choice less likely.
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