The nurse is caring for a client who has had a myocardial infarction. The client states, "I have been smoking for 35 years, what good will quitting do?" Which response is best?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The best response is "Your risk of continued coronary artery disease will decrease by half when you stop." This response provides a specific and concrete benefit of quitting smoking for the client with a history of myocardial infarction. By explaining that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of continued coronary artery disease by half, the nurse is providing motivation and encouragement for the client to make a positive change in their lifestyle. This information is factual and can help the client understand the immediate benefits of quitting smoking in relation to their current health condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In caring for a child with congestive heart failure (CHF), the nurse must anticipate certain clinical manifestations. The correct answer is A) Excessive sweating. In CHF, the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to decreased cardiac output, causing the body to compensate by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which can result in excessive sweating. Option B) Hypertension is incorrect because CHF typically presents with hypotension due to the heart's reduced ability to pump effectively. Option C) Bradycardia is incorrect as CHF commonly causes tachycardia as the body tries to compensate for the decreased cardiac output. Option D) Difficulty breathing is a common symptom of CHF due to fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, but it is not included in the anticipated clinical manifestations listed in the question stem. Understanding the expected clinical manifestations of CHF in children is crucial for nurses to provide timely and appropriate care. Recognizing these signs can help nurses intervene promptly to prevent complications and improve outcomes for pediatric patients with CHF.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: As individuals age, there is a natural increase in systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading). This rise is attributed to factors such as arterial stiffness, reduced compliance of blood vessels, and decreased elasticity of the arteries. This increase in systolic blood pressure with age is considered a significant risk factor for hypertension in older adults. Hypertension is commonly defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. Therefore, the age-related increase in systolic blood pressure contributes to the overall risk of developing hypertension in the elderly population.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring serum electrolyte levels would be the most appropriate action for a client admitted with a cardiac dysrhythmia. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and magnesium, can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and maintain proper electrolyte levels to prevent or manage dysrhythmias. Restricting fluids, encouraging bedrest, or instructing in a low-fat diet are not the priority actions for managing a cardiac dysrhythmia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Arteriosclerosis is a form of peripheral vascular disease characterized by the thickening, loss of elasticity, and calcification of arterial walls. This results in the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to tissues and organs. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, specifically refers to the buildup of plaque (composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) on the inner walls of arteries, which contributes to arteriosclerosis. Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition involving poor blood flow from the legs back to the heart, often causing swelling and skin changes. Deep venous thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the legs.