what are the complications of untreated hypertension

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2024

1. What are the complications of untreated hypertension?

A. Heart disease and stroke
B. Kidney failure and vision loss
C. Pulmonary embolism and arrhythmias
D. Blood clots and gastrointestinal bleeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Heart disease and stroke.' Untreated hypertension can lead to various complications, including heart disease and stroke. These are common outcomes of long-term high blood pressure. Choice B, 'Kidney failure and vision loss,' is incorrect as kidney failure and vision loss are more commonly associated with diabetic complications rather than untreated hypertension. Choice C, 'Pulmonary embolism and arrhythmias,' while serious, are not among the primary complications of untreated hypertension. Choice D, 'Blood clots and gastrointestinal bleeding,' are not typical complications of untreated hypertension but can occur due to other conditions such as blood clotting disorders or gastrointestinal diseases.

2. A client undergoing surgery is being taught about the use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump by a nurse. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will ask my spouse to push the button when I am sleeping
B. I will use the PCA pump to keep me comfortable during the night
C. I will ask the nurse to increase the dosage if I still feel pain
D. I will press the button for medication as soon as I feel pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients should press the button on the PCA pump when they feel pain to receive controlled doses of medication. Option A is incorrect as the client should be the one to self-administer the medication through the PCA pump. Option B is incorrect as the primary purpose of the PCA pump is to manage pain, not to keep the client comfortable. Option C is incorrect because the client should not adjust the dosage themselves; instead, they should communicate any pain concerns to the healthcare provider.

3. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with sepsis?

A. Monitor vital signs and administer fluids
B. Monitor for fever and administer antibiotics
C. Check for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count
D. Administer fluids and provide nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs to assess the patient's condition and administer fluids to maintain circulation. This approach helps in stabilizing blood pressure and perfusion. While monitoring for fever and administering antibiotics (choice B) is important in managing sepsis, the initial priority lies in assessing and stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status. Checking for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count (choice C) can be part of the assessment but does not encompass the immediate intervention needed in sepsis. Administering fluids and providing nutritional support (choice D) are essential in managing sepsis, but the primary step should be to assess the patient's condition through vital sign monitoring.

4. A 23-year-old woman at 32-weeks gestation is seen in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate a possible complication?

A. The client's urine test is positive for glucose and acetone
B. The client has 1+ pedal edema in both feet at the end of the day
C. The client complains of an increase in vaginal discharge
D. The client says she feels pressure against her diaphragm when the baby moves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positive urine glucose and acetone could indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are complications. Choice B, pedal edema, is common in pregnancy but may also be a sign of preeclampsia if severe. Choice C, an increase in vaginal discharge, is a normal finding in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Choice D, pressure against the diaphragm when the baby moves, is a normal sensation due to the growing uterus displacing abdominal contents.

5. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Monitor daily fluid intake
B. Monitor blood glucose levels
C. Measure intake and output
D. Administer insulin as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor blood glucose levels.' When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which has a high glucose content, it is crucial to monitor blood glucose levels closely to prevent hyperglycemia. Monitoring daily fluid intake (Choice A) is important in other contexts but is not directly related to TPN administration. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is a general nursing intervention that is relevant for assessing fluid balance but is not specific to TPN administration. Administering insulin as prescribed (Choice D) may be necessary for clients with hyperglycemia, but this intervention is based on the blood glucose monitoring results and the healthcare provider's orders, not a standard intervention for all clients receiving TPN.