Immediately following a surgical procedure, a client's pulse and blood pressure (BP) are slightly elevated. The nurse is aware that these physiological changes are likely caused by the:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative elevation in pulse and BP is typically due to the sympathetic nervous system’s response to stress (e.g., surgery), releasing catecholamines like epinephrine, increasing heart rate and vasoconstriction. The parasympathetic system slows heart rate, infection would take longer to manifest, and pain medications often lower BP.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Erythropoietin (EPO) production by the kidneys is triggered by hypoxia (e.g., hemorrhage, poor heart pumping, low oxygen). Epinephrine increases heart rate but doesn’t directly stimulate EPO.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: There are 12 recognized clotting factors (I-XIII, missing VI) in the coagulation cascade, essential for normal clot formation, though not all are always active in every pathway.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Edema and hyperpigmented skin of the lower extremities (D) are classic signs of venous disorders (e.g., chronic venous insufficiency) due to poor venous return. Generalized edema with shortness of breath (A) suggests heart failure, red painful skin (B) indicates a rash or infection, and strong pulses (C) contradict venous issues, which often weaken pulses. (Source: Document, p. 3)

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cardiac output (CO = HR × SV) is determined by all listed factors : heart rate (A), preload (B) affects stroke volume (SV), afterload (C) resists SV, and myocardial contractility (D) influences SV. All contribute to CO.