Question

A 70-year-old client must have her blood pressure checked during each shift. She asks the nurse to explain her hypertension. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

a. Older adult clients often experience hypertension because of vascular changes related to aging; this affects 50% of older adults.
b. Older adult clients often experience hypertension because of a reduction in physical activity.
c. Older adult clients often experience hypertension because of ingestion of processed foods high in sodium.
d. Older adult clients often experience hypertension because of myocardial damage and venous insufficiency.

Answer 1

The nurse should explain that hypertension in older adults is often due to vascular changes related to aging, which can be exacerbated by lifestyle factors like high sodium intake and insufficient activity. It's critical to follow a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes and medications to manage hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response by the nurse to explain hypertension to a 70-year-old client would be: "Older adult clients often experience hypertension because of vascular changes related to aging; this affects 50% of older adults." The hardening and loss of elasticity in the vessels, known as atherosclerosis, is a common cause of elevated blood pressure in the elderly. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diets high in sodium, lack of physical activity, and stress can contribute to the development of hypertension. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, peripheral arterial disease, and kidney disorders, and is thus termed the "silent killer" because it often does not cause obvious symptoms.

It's also important to address lifestyle changes and medication as necessary means to treat and manage hypertension effectively. While myocardial damage and venous insufficiency may also affect blood pressure, they are not as commonly the primary cause of hypertension in older adults as the vascular changes.