Author Question: Which of the following changes associated with aging contributes to heart failure development in ... (Read 51 times)

chads108 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which of the following changes associated with aging contributes to heart failure development in older adults? Select all that apply.

A)
Increased incidence of mitral stenosis
B)
Sludge buildup in the kidneys
C)
Elevated diastolic BP
D)
Increased vascular stiffness
E)
Inflammation in the joints due to arthritis

Question 2

A 62-year-old woman with high blood pressure is to begin long-term treatment with a thiazide diuretic that she thinks she will need to take for some time. What should the nurse expect to happen to her potassium and calcium levels?

A)
Her potassium and calcium levels will not change.
B)
Her potassium and calcium levels will both go down.
C)
Her potassium level will drop, but her calcium level may rise.
D)
Her potassium level will rise, but her calcium level may drop.

hugthug12 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
C, D

Feedback:

Changes with aging contribute to the development of HF in older adults. First is reduced responsiveness to -adrenergic stimulation. Second is increased vascular stiffness that contributes to ventricular hypertrophy. Third, the heart itself becomes less compliant with age. Fourth relates to altered myocardial metabolism at the level of the mitochondria. Older adults usually develop aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Kidney stones do not contribute to HF. Increase in diastolic pressure compromises LV filling leading to increases in pressures predisposing to HF. Arthritis is not associated with heart failure.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Thiazide diuretics increase the loss of potassium in urine. Because calcium is actively reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubule, it is likely that her calcium level will go up, especially if she takes it for a long time.