Factors Affecting Cardiopulmonary Function

Every question here, with the answer

1. An older adult reports dizziness when getting out of bed in the morning. Which age-related cardiovascular change should the nurse consider as a likely contributor?

   1. The aorta becomes more elastic, lowering blood pressure.
   2. Capillary walls become thinner, speeding gas and nutrient exchange.
   3. Baroreceptors can become less sensitive with aging.
   4. Red blood cells are produced at a faster rate with aging.

   Answer: Baroreceptors can become less sensitive with aging.

   The section states that aging can make baroreceptors less sensitive, which can cause dizziness or orthostatic hypotension. The other options contradict the section: red blood cells are produced more slowly, capillary walls may thicken, and the aorta can thicken and stiffen, increasing BP.

2. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s cardiopulmonary risk profile and suspects metabolic syndrome. Which findings are part of the cluster described in the section? Select all that apply.

   1. A large waistline or apple shape
   2. Hypertension
   3. High HDL cholesterol
   4. High blood sugar levels
   5. High triglycerides

   Answer: A large waistline or apple shape, Hypertension, High blood sugar levels, High triglycerides

   The section identifies hypertension, high blood sugar levels, a large waistline or apple shape, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol as the cluster of metabolic syndrome. High HDL cholesterol is not listed; the concern is low HDL cholesterol.

3. A 15-year-old who has been vaping says, “I suppose you’re going to lecture me,” after several visits for a “cold” that does not improve. Which nursing response best reflects the communication approach in the section?

   1. “You need to stop vaping immediately because your parents are right to be upset.”
   2. “What seems like a cold may be your lungs trying to recover after each time you vape; we can help you cut down and stop when you are ready.”
   3. “There is nothing to discuss until you decide to quit completely.”
   4. “If your friends do not have symptoms, vaping is probably not related to your problem.”

   Answer: “What seems like a cold may be your lungs trying to recover after each time you vape; we can help you cut down and stop when you are ready.”

   The patient conversation models avoiding a lecture, explaining the relationship between vaping and persistent symptoms, and offering help to cut down and stop. The other responses are judgmental, dismiss the patient’s symptoms, or close off follow-up support.

4. The nurse is reviewing medications discussed in the section as having potential cardiopulmonary effects. Which concerns should the nurse include in monitoring or teaching? Select all that apply.

   1. Cyclophosphamide has the potential to cause pulmonary fibrosis and cardiotoxicity.
   2. Amiodarone has a risk for cardiac rhythm changes.
   3. Amiodarone may affect the pulmonary system, including pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
   4. Most antidysrhythmic drugs may cause other dysrhythmias.
   5. Daunorubicin can be used without considering past total dose because its effect is not cumulative.

   Answer: Cyclophosphamide has the potential to cause pulmonary fibrosis and cardiotoxicity., Amiodarone has a risk for cardiac rhythm changes., Amiodarone may affect the pulmonary system, including pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome., Most antidysrhythmic drugs may cause other dysrhythmias.

   The section states that many antidysrhythmics may cause dysrhythmias, and specifically notes cardiac rhythm and pulmonary risks with amiodarone. It also identifies pulmonary fibrosis and cardiotoxicity as possible effects of cyclophosphamide; daunorubicin is described as having a cumulative effect with dosing, so past total dose matters.

5. A sedentary adult asks what activity goal is recommended to help maintain or improve cardiopulmonary health. Which teaching should the nurse provide?

   1. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise activity weekly and try to make exercise habitual.
   2. Physical activity affects weight but has no effect on circulation, blood pressure, lipids, or atherosclerotic plaque.
   3. Exercise is useful only after cardiopulmonary symptoms have already developed.
   4. Avoid aerobic exercise and focus only on rest to prevent cardiopulmonary strain.

   Answer: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise activity weekly and try to make exercise habitual.

   The section identifies at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly as the AHA recommendation and emphasizes making exercise habitual. The other options conflict with the section’s focus on proactive prevention and the benefits of activity for circulation, BP, lipids, and atherosclerotic plaque formation.

6. A community health nurse is teaching city residents about environmental stressors that can negatively affect cardiopulmonary health. Which examples should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

   1. Wildfires
   2. Noise and light pollution
   3. Climate change
   4. Air pollution
   5. High HDL cholesterol

   Answer: Wildfires, Noise and light pollution, Climate change, Air pollution

   The section lists air pollution, noise and light pollution, wildfires, and climate change as environmental stressors that can negatively affect cardiopulmonary health. High HDL cholesterol is not identified as an environmental stressor in the section.