The nurse is planning the care of a client who has been diagnosed with hypertension but who otherwise enjoys good health. When assessing the response to an antihypertensive drug regimen, what blood pressure would be the goal of treatment?
120/80 mm Hg or lower.
Average of two BP readings of 150/80 mm Hg
140/90 mm Hg or lower
156/96 mm Hg or lower
The Correct Answer is C
A. 120/80 mm Hg or lower:
This blood pressure range is considered normal or optimal for most adults. However, for individuals diagnosed with hypertension, the goal is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, as maintaining normal blood pressure is not considered a goal for hypertension treatment unless specifically indicated based on individual circumstances.
B. Average of two BP readings of 150/80 mm Hg:
A blood pressure reading of 150/80 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, especially if consistently elevated across multiple readings. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg, so an average of 150/80 mm Hg would not be considered the goal of treatment.
C. 140/90 mm Hg or lower:
This blood pressure range is commonly recommended as the goal of treatment for individuals with hypertension who otherwise enjoy good health. It represents a balance between effective blood pressure control and minimizing the risk of side effects or complications associated with overly aggressive treatment.
D. 156/96 mm Hg or lower:
While a blood pressure reading of 156/96 mm Hg is elevated and indicates hypertension, the goal of treatment is typically to reduce blood pressure to below 140/90 mm Hg rather than targeting a specific numeric value below 156/96 mm Hg.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will wear layered clothing when walking outside in winter": This statement shows an understanding of the need to dress appropriately for weather conditions, which is important in managing symptoms during physical activity.
B. "I will walk early in the morning when it is hot outside": This statement indicates a lack of understanding regarding the ideal timing for outdoor activities, especially in hot weather. Exercising during the cooler parts of the day (such as early morning or late evening) is recommended to avoid heat-related stress and potential exacerbation of cardiovascular symptoms.
C. "If I get shortness of breath, I should slow down a bit": This statement demonstrates an understanding of monitoring symptoms during exercise and adjusting activity levels accordingly, which is an important aspect of managing coronary artery disease.
D. "My exercise intensity should not exceed my ability to talk": This statement reflects an understanding of the recommended exercise intensity level based on the ability to talk comfortably during physical activity, known as the "talk test."
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Ascending edema:
Ascending edema, also known as dependent edema, is typically associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation is compromised, leading to fluid backup in the systemic circulation. This fluid accumulates in the dependent areas of the body, such as the lower extremities (legs and ankles), causing swelling that can ascend upwards if left untreated. However, ascending edema is not a characteristic finding in left-sided heart failure, where pulmonary congestion and orthopnea are more common manifestations.
B. The client has no desire to eat:
While decreased appetite can occur in heart failure due to various factors such as fluid retention, abdominal bloating, or medication side effects, it is not a specific hallmark of left-sided heart failure. Symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath), orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. These symptoms result from the impaired function of the left ventricle, leading to pulmonary congestion and inadequate oxygenation.
C. The client sleeps on three pillows at night:
This choice is the correct answer. Sleeping on three pillows at night is a classic manifestation of orthopnea, a condition commonly seen in left-sided heart failure. Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat, which is alleviated by elevating the head and upper body with multiple pillows or sleeping in a semi-upright position. Orthopnea occurs due to the redistribution of fluid from the legs and lower body to the lungs when lying down, resulting in pulmonary congestion and respiratory distress.
D. The client has a five-pound weight gain:
Weight gain is a common symptom of fluid retention in heart failure; however, a specific weight gain of five pounds alone may not be indicative of left-sided heart failure without considering other clinical signs and symptoms. In heart failure, weight gain is often associated with fluid overload, which can lead to edema, dyspnea, orthopnea, and other signs of congestion. It's important to assess the client comprehensively for fluid status, including evaluating for edema, respiratory symptoms, and changes in weight over time, to determine the underlying cause of weight gain.
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