Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
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.
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. 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.
Similar Questions
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.
A nurse is conducting a health screening for hypertension in a community setting. Which question should the nurse ask to assess for potential hypertension-related symptoms?
A. "Have you experienced any sudden weight loss or gain recently?"
This option is incorrect. Sudden weight loss or gain is not typically associated with hypertension-related symptoms.
B. "Do you often feel tired or fatigued throughout the day?"
Correct answer. Fatigue and tiredness can be symptoms of hypertension, especially if it is uncontrolled or has led to target organ damage.
C. "Have you been experiencing any abdominal pain or discomfort?"
This option is incorrect. Abdominal pain or discomfort is not commonly associated with hypertension.
D. "Have you noticed any changes in your skin texture or color?"
This option is incorrect. Changes in skin texture or color are not typical symptoms of hypertension.
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Sudden weight loss or gain is not typically associated with hypertension-related symptoms.
B) Correct answer. Fatigue and tiredness can be symptoms of hypertension, especially if it is uncontrolled or has led to target organ damage.
C) This option is incorrect. Abdominal pain or discomfort is not commonly associated with hypertension.
D) This option is incorrect. Changes in skin texture or color are not typical symptoms of hypertension.