A patient with primary hypertension comes to the clinic complaining of a gradual onset of blurry vision and decreased visual acuity over the past several weeks. The nurse is aware that these symptoms could be indicative of what?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes, and diminished visual acuity can mean retinal blood vessel damage indicative of damage elsewhere in the vascular system as a result of hypertension. Glaucoma and cranial nerve damage do not normally cause these symptoms. A hypertensive emergency would have a more rapid onset.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Histamine causes vasodilation of arterioles by acting on H1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Aging causes decreased elastance and an increase in resting arterial volume.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cardiac output is influenced by heart rate, preload, and afterload collectively.