Author Question: An older patient is upset with a blood pressure reading of 180/78 mmHg. What response by the nurse ... (Read 103 times)

mcmcdaniel · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older patient is upset with a blood pressure reading of 180/78 mmHg. What response by the nurse is best?

a. It looks like you need blood pressure medicine now.
b. Most people get hypertension when they get older.
c. With age, blood vessels stiffen, raising blood pressure.
d. Don't worry, there are lots of good me-dications for this.

Question 2

A patient has heart failure and takes spironolactone (aldactone). What diet selection from the menu shows that the patient needs more education?

a. A low-fat chicken salad sandwich
b. Salt-free vegetable soup
c. Broiled fish with lemon
d. Salt substitute and pepper

komodo7 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
With age, elastin in vessel walls decreases, making them stiffer. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is increased in older adults because of a loss of arterial distensibility resulting from arterial stiffen-ing. The other responses do not offer any useful information on the cause of the patient's condi-tion.

Answer to Question 2

D
Older patients have difficulty excreting potassium because of age-related kidney changes. This patient also takes aldactone, a potassium sparing diuretic. If the patient adds a salt substitute, normally high in potassium, the chances of developing hyperkalemia are high. The nurse needs to provide education on other ways to flavor foods. The other diet choices are fine.