A patient is demonstrating a sign of blood pressure stabilization accompanied by a decreased urine output. What should the nurse explain is the body's mechanism responsible for this blood pressure stabilization?

Question

1. response to chemoreceptors in the aortic arch
2. renal conservation of sodium and water
3. change in body temperature
4. intake of dietary fat and protein

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Blood pressure is influenced by many factors. The kidneys help maintain blood pressure by excreting or conserving sodium and water. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys initiate the renin–angiotensin mechanism. This stimulates vasoconstriction, which results in the release of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal cortex, and increases sodium ion reabsorption and water retention. In addition, pituitary release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) promotes renal reabsorption of water. The net result is an increase in blood volume and a consequent increase in cardiac output and blood pressure. With the changes described, the kidneys are compensating and causing the changes. The changes are not reflective of intervention influenced by the chemoreceptors in the aortic arch, body temperature changes, or dietary intake.