The nurse is reviewing the medication administration record of a patient who takes a variety of medications for the treatment of hypertension. What is a key therapeutic benefit of antihypertensive medications that the nurse should identify?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The medications used for treating hypertension decrease peripheral resistance, blood volume, or the strength and rate of myocardial contraction. The original question was a multiple-answer type, but it has been restructured to a single-answer format focusing on a key benefit (decreased peripheral resistance). Antihypertensives do not increase venous return, blood viscosity, or myocardial oxygen demand.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Increased activity of atrial stretch receptors slows heart rate via the Bainbridge reflex.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Papillary muscles contract to pull on the chordae tendinae, preventing AV valve prolapse into the atria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The cardiac control center, which regulates heart rate and cardiac output, is located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A decrease in blood vessel diameter increases resistance, which subsequently raises blood pressure according to Poiseuille's law.