A 58-year-old Caucasian woman is at the clinic for her annual check-up.She tells the nurse that she noticed her blood pressure is higher than it was when she was younger.She asks the nurse why this would happen.What is the nurse's best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterial vessels in the older adult become calcified and lose elastin.This may lead to hypertension and a rise in systolic blood pressure.Both of these normal changes of aging place the older adult at risk for heart failure.Do not be judgmental about smoking and the question does not indicate the female is a smoker.Males,not females,are more prone to heart disease.African-Americans,American Indians,and Mexican-Americans are at greater risk than Caucasians for developing heart disease.Telling the patient to not worry is not therapeutic.

A 58-Year-Old Caucasian Woman Is at the Clinic for Her