A 56-year-old patient who has no previous history of hypertension or other health problems suddenly develops a blood pressure(BP) of 198/110 mm Hg. After reconfirming the BP, it is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient that

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A sudden increase in BP in a patient over age 50 with no previous hypertension history or risk factors indicates that the hypertension may be secondary to some other problem. The BP will need treatment and ongoing monitoring. If the patient has no other risk factors, a stroke in the immediate future is unlikely. There is no indication that dietary salt or fat intake have contributed to this sudden increase in BP, and reducing intake of salt and fat alone will not be adequate to reduce this BP to an acceptable level.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hypertension often accompanies other risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease, such as dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fat levels), obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle. Individuals with hypertension need to monitor their sodium intake, but hypernatremia is not a risk factor for hypertension. In many patients, heart rate does not correlate closely with BP. Potassium levels do not normally relate to BP.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: During intense exercise, oxygen consumption of skeletal muscles can increase up to 100-fold.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The aorta wall is approximately 1 mm thick.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Depolarization of the SA node initiates the cardiac cycle by triggering atrial contraction.