Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client asks the nurse about common symptoms associated with hypertension. How should the nurse respond?
A. "Hypertension typically presents with severe headaches and visual disturbances."
This option is incorrect. While severe headaches and visual disturbances can occur in hypertensive crises, they are not typical symptoms of hypertension in its early stages.
B. "Most individuals with hypertension experience chest pain and shortness of breath."
This option is incorrect. Chest pain and shortness of breath are not common symptoms of hypertension.
C. "Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, but may cause occasional nosebleeds and fatigue."
Correct answer. Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, earning it the nickname "silent killer." Occasionally, clients may experience nosebleeds and fatigue, but many individuals with hypertension do not exhibit any noticeable symptoms.
D. "Clients with hypertension commonly report palpitations and increased heart rate."
This option is incorrect. Palpitations and increased heart rate are not typical symptoms of hypertension. These may be indicative of other cardiac conditions.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Hypertension. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. While severe headaches and visual disturbances can occur in hypertensive crises, they are not typical symptoms of hypertension in its early stages.
B) This option is incorrect. Chest pain and shortness of breath are not common symptoms of hypertension.
C) Correct answer. Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, earning it the nickname "silent killer." Occasionally, clients may experience nosebleeds and fatigue, but many individuals with hypertension do not exhibit any noticeable symptoms.
D) This option is incorrect. Palpitations and increased heart rate are not typical symptoms of hypertension. These may be indicative of other cardiac conditions.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client with hypertension. Which symptom should the nurse be particularly vigilant about, as it could indicate a hypertensive emergency?
A. Blurred vision
This option is incorrect. Blurred vision may be a symptom of hypertension, but it is not specific to hypertensive emergencies.
B. Severe headache
Correct answer. Severe headache is a concerning symptom that could indicate a hypertensive emergency, such as malignant hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy.
C. Occasional dizziness
This option is incorrect. Occasional dizziness is not specific to hypertensive emergencies, although it may be associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
D. Mild chest discomfort
This option is incorrect. Mild chest discomfort is not a typical symptom of a hypertensive emergency. However, any chest pain should be evaluated promptly as it may be indicative of other cardiac issues.
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Blurred vision may be a symptom of hypertension, but it is not specific to hypertensive emergencies.
B) Correct answer. Severe headache is a concerning symptom that could indicate a hypertensive emergency, such as malignant hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy.
C) This option is incorrect. Occasional dizziness is not specific to hypertensive emergencies, although it may be associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
D) This option is incorrect. Mild chest discomfort is not a typical symptom of a hypertensive emergency. However, any chest pain should be evaluated promptly as it may be indicative of other cardiac issues.
A nurse is assessing a client with long-standing uncontrolled hypertension. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse anticipate as a result of target organ damage?
A. Proteinuria and edema
Correct answer. Proteinuria (presence of protein in urine) and edema (swelling) are common signs of kidney damage (nephrosclerosis) resulting from long-standing uncontrolled hypertension.
B. Weight loss and increased appetite
This option is incorrect. Weight loss and increased appetite are not typical manifestations of target organ damage in hypertension.
C. Improved exercise tolerance
This option is incorrect. Improved exercise tolerance is not associated with target organ damage in hypertension.
D. Reduced urine output
This option is incorrect. Reduced urine output is not typically associated with target organ damage in hypertension. However, reduced urine output may occur in acute hypertensive emergencies, such as hypertensive nephropathy.
Full Explanation
A) Correct answer. Proteinuria (presence of protein in urine) and edema (swelling) are common signs of kidney damage (nephrosclerosis) resulting from long-standing uncontrolled hypertension.
B) This option is incorrect. Weight loss and increased appetite are not typical manifestations of target organ damage in hypertension.
C) This option is incorrect. Improved exercise tolerance is not associated with target organ damage in hypertension.
D) This option is incorrect. Reduced urine output is not typically associated with target organ damage in hypertension. However, reduced urine output may occur in acute hypertensive emergencies, such as hypertensive nephropathy.
A nurse is educating a client about complications of uncontrolled hypertension. Which complication should the nurse emphasize as a common result of hypertension-induced arterial damage?
A. Visual disturbances
This option is incorrect. Visual disturbances are more commonly associated with hypertensive crises, not arterial damage.
B. Peripheral neuropathy
This option is incorrect. Peripheral neuropathy is not a common complication of hypertension.
C. Peripheral edema
This option is incorrect. Peripheral edema is often associated with heart failure, not arterial damage resulting from hypertension.
D. Atherosclerosis
Correct answer. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a common complication of uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension can cause chronic damage to the blood vessel walls, promoting the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which further narrows and stiffens the arteries.
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Visual disturbances are more commonly associated with hypertensive crises, not arterial damage.
B) This option is incorrect. Peripheral neuropathy is not a common complication of hypertension.
C) This option is incorrect. Peripheral edema is often associated with heart failure, not arterial damage resulting from hypertension.
D) Correct answer. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is a common complication of uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension can cause chronic damage to the blood vessel walls, promoting the development of atherosclerotic plaques, which further narrows and stiffens the arteries.