Describe the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary. High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure occur much more frequently in the over-60 age group. Certain changes in the heart are associated with aging. The heart usually becomes larger because it loses its elasticity, and it has a deeper color because there is less oxygen in the heart tissue. The endocardium becomes thicker and sclerotic (hardened), and the aorta and the arteries are less elastic. The valves thicken and are more rigid. These changes lead to problems in filling and emptying the heart, which result in decreased oxygen intake and output.
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The nurse is performing a cultural assessment on a patient. What does the nurse know about cultural assessments?
a. They are intrusive and time consuming. b. They are not dependent on a trusting relationship. c. They are rarely plagued by miscommunication. d. They are based in similarities of behavior.
In caring for a client with rheumatic heart disease, the nurse knows that priority interventions will be to:
1. Administer cardiotonic and diuretic medications. 2. Schedule regular exercise periods and administer narcotics as ordered. 3. Promote bedrest and administer scheduled antibiotics. 4. Administer oxygen and tranquilizers as ordered.
Which of the following nursing goals is a priority when caring for the awake and oriented head injured patient?
A) Maintaining caloric intake B) Demonstrating normal sleep-wake cycles C) Keeping blood gas values within normal range D) Maintaining intact skin integrity
Inactivity ____________________ the patient.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).