The nurse is caring for a patient with coronary artery disease and hypertension. The nurse explains to the patient that coronary artery disease disables what process that controls blood pressure?

Question

A) Capacitance system
B) Ability of the arterioles to increase or decrease resistance
C) Oncotic pressure
D) Ability of the venules to return blood to the veins

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
The entire arterial system contains muscles in the walls of the vessels all the way to the terminal branches or arterioles, which consist of fragments of muscle and endothelial cells. These muscles offer resistance to the blood that is sent pumping into the arterial system by the left ventricle, generating pressure. The arterial system is referred to as a resistance system. Its vessels can either constrict or dilate, thus increasing or decreasing resistance, respectively, based on the needs of the body. The capacitance system is the venous system and does not contribute to regulation of arterial blood pressure. Oncotic pressure acts to pull the fluid back into the vessel. The venules have no impact on regulation of arterial blood pressure.