test review part 2

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with newly diagnosed hypertension. Which of the following lifestyle modifications should the nurse recommend to reduce vasoconstriction?

• Quit smoking and engage in stress-reduction techniques 

• • Increase sodium intake to maintain fluid balance 

• • Drink multiple caffeinated beverages daily 

• • Avoid exercise to decrease cardiac workload 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Quit smoking and engage in stress-reduction techniques 

Rationale: Smoking and stress cause vasoconstriction. Quitting smoking and stress reduction promote vasodilation. The other options increase blood pressure and vascular resistance. 

A nurse is explaining to a client the long-term effects of uncontrolled hypertension. Which statement by the nurse is correct? 

•  

 

• • “Hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and vision loss.”

• • “Hypertension primarily affects only your kidneys.” 

• • “Hypertension does not damage your blood vessels if untreated.”

• • “Hypertension only makes your heart beat slower.” 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: “Hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and vision loss.” 

Rationale: Hypertension damages arterial walls, increases cardiac workload, and can cause serious complications. It affects multiple organs, not just kidneys. 

A nurse is teaching a client prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which of the following activities should the client avoid? 

• Using a electric razor for shaving

• • Participating in contact sports

• • Brushing teeth gently with a soft toothbrush

• • Wearing shoes when ambulating 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Participating in contact sports 

Rationale: Activities with high bleeding risk should be avoided. Electric razors and soft toothbrushes are recommended. Wearing shoes prevents foot injury and is encouraged. 

A nurse is preparing a client for aortic surgery. The nurse instructs the client to keep their legs flat in bed. What is the purpose of this instruction? 

•  

• • To reduce blood pressure

• • To improve wound healing

• • To decrease edema 

• • To prevent blood clots 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: To prevent blood clots 

Rationale: Keeping the legs flat improves venous return and reduces clot risk. The other options are not directly related to leg positioning before surgery.

A nurse is teaching a group of patients about preventing peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Which of the following should the nurse include? 

•  

• • Quit smoking 

• • Maintain blood glucose control 

• • Exercise regularly 

• • Avoid controlling blood pressure 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Quit smoking, maintain blood glucose control, exercise regularly 

Rationale: Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and hypertension are major risk factors for PVD. Managing these lowers the risk.

A patient with hypertension asks why caffeine should be limited. The nurse should respond that caffeine: 

•  

• • Improves arterial dilation 

• • Reduces heart rate 

• • Causes constriction of arteries 

• • Decreases cardiac workload 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Causes constriction of arteries 

Rationale: Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure.

A nurse is assessing a client who reports calf pain after walking two blocks that subsides with rest. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following? 

• • Deep vein thrombosis 

• • Intermittent claudication 

• • Raynaud’s disease 

• • Varicose veins 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Intermittent claudication 

Rationale: This is the hallmark of peripheral arterial disease. DVT pain is usually constant with swelling, Raynaud’s involves vasospasm of extremities, and varicose veins cause aching. 

A nurse is caring for a client who reports painful color changes in their fingers when exposed to cold. Which disorder should the nurse suspect? 

• • Raynaud’s disease 

• • Varicose veins

• • Intermittent claudication

• • Venous insufficiency 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Raynaud’s disease 

Rationale: Raynaud’s is caused by arterial vasospasms in response to cold or stress, leading to pallor, cyanosis, and pain in extremities. 

An older adult client is at increased risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which explanation should the nurse provide for this condition? 

 

• • “Your baroreceptors become less sensitive with age.” 

• • “Your arteries lose elasticity as you get older.” 

• • “Your heart pumps less efficiently with age.” 

• • “Your kidneys are unable to conserve sodium.” 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: “Your baroreceptors become less sensitive with age.” 

Rationale: Aging reduces baroreceptor sensitivity, impairing blood pressure regulation during position changes. This increases fall risk. 

A nurse is preparing to administer a loop diuretic to a client with hypertension. Which precaution should the nurse take? 

• • Avoid monitoring electrolyte levels unless symptoms occur

• • Instruct the client to take potassium supplements only if feeling weak 

• • Restrict fluids and increase sodium intake 

• • Encourage hydration and monitor potassium levels 

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Encourage hydration and monitor potassium levels 

Rationale: Diuretics cause fluid and electrolyte loss, especially potassium. Monitoring prevents complications such as arrhythmias.