Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is discussing modifiable risk factors for hypertension with a client. Which factor should the nurse include in the discussion?
A. Age
This option is incorrect. Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
B. Family history
This option is incorrect. Family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
C. Smoking
Correct answer. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor that can contribute to the development of hypertension. Smoking causes vasoconstriction and damages the blood vessel walls, leading to elevated blood pressure.
D. Genetics
This option is incorrect. Genetics is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Hypertension. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Rationale:
A) This option is incorrect. Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
B) This option is incorrect. Family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
C) Correct answer. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor that can contribute to the development of hypertension. Smoking causes vasoconstriction and damages the blood vessel walls, leading to elevated blood pressure.
D) This option is incorrect. Genetics is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension.
Similar Questions
A nurse is explaining the pathophysiology of hypertension to a client. Which process is primarily responsible for elevated blood pressure in hypertension?
A. Vasodilation and increased sodium excretion
This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is often vasoconstriction and increased sodium retention, leading to elevated blood pressure.
B. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
Correct answer. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a key mechanism in hypertension. It leads to vasoconstriction and increased water and sodium retention, elevating blood pressure.
C. Decreased sympathetic nervous system activity
This option is incorrect. In hypertension, sympathetic nervous system activity is often increased, not decreased.
D. Enhanced nitric oxide production
This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is reduced nitric oxide production, which contributes to arterial stiffness and elevated blood pressure.
Full Explanation
Rationale:
A) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is often vasoconstriction and increased sodium retention, leading to elevated blood pressure.
B) Correct answer. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a key mechanism in hypertension. It leads to vasoconstriction and increased water and sodium retention, elevating blood pressure.
C) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, sympathetic nervous system activity is often increased, not decreased.
D) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is reduced nitric oxide production, which contributes to arterial stiffness and elevated blood pressure.
A nurse is assessing a client suspected of having hypertension. Which clinical manifestation may be present in the early stages of hypertension?
A. Severe headaches
This option is incorrect. Severe headaches are more commonly associated with hypertensive crises, not the early stages of hypertension.
B. Blurred vision
This option is incorrect. Blurred vision may occur in severe hypertension but is not a typical early-stage manifestation.
C. Chest pain
This option is incorrect. Chest pain may be related to other cardiovascular conditions but is not a common manifestation of early-stage hypertension.
D. Asymptomatic
Correct answer. Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making routine screenings crucial for early detection.
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. Severe headaches are more commonly associated with hypertensive crises, not the early stages of hypertension.
B) This option is incorrect. Blurred vision may occur in severe hypertension but is not a typical early-stage manifestation.
C) This option is incorrect. Chest pain may be related to other cardiovascular conditions but is not a common manifestation of early-stage hypertension.
D) Correct answer. Hypertension is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making routine screenings crucial for early detection.
A nurse is reviewing diagnostic tests for hypertension with a client. Which test directly measures blood pressure levels for 24 hours?
A. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This option is incorrect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures electrical activity in the heart, not blood pressure levels.
B. Blood glucose test
This option is incorrect. A blood glucose test measures blood sugar levels, not blood pressure.
C. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)
Correct answer. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a diagnostic test that measures blood pressure levels at regular intervals over 24 hours, providing a comprehensive view of a client's blood pressure variations.
D. Renal function panel
This option is incorrect. A renal function panel assesses kidney function, not blood pressure levels.
Full Explanation
A) This option is incorrect. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures electrical activity in the heart, not blood pressure levels.
B) This option is incorrect. A blood glucose test measures blood sugar levels, not blood pressure.
C) Correct answer. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) is a diagnostic test that measures blood pressure levels at regular intervals over 24 hours, providing a comprehensive view of a client's blood pressure variations.
D) This option is incorrect. A renal function panel assesses kidney function, not blood pressure levels.