Hypertension
Hypertension ( 42 Questions)
A nurse is explaining the importance of an electrocardiogram (ECG) in the diagnosis of hypertension. Which statement should the nurse include in the discussion?
This option is incorrect. While hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, an ECG primarily assesses the heart's electrical activity, not arterial blockages.
Correct answer. An ECG is essential in diagnosing and assessing heart abnormalities, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, which can result from the strain caused by hypertension.
This option is incorrect. An ECG is not directly used to diagnose kidney damage. Blood tests like creatinine and BUN are more specific for assessing kidney function in the context of hypertension.
This option is incorrect. An ECG does not provide information on blood levels of sodium and potassium. Blood tests are used for evaluating electrolyte levels, not ECG results.
A) This option is incorrect. While hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, an ECG primarily assesses the heart's electrical activity, not arterial blockages.
B) Correct answer. An ECG is essential in diagnosing and assessing heart abnormalities, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, which can result from the strain caused by hypertension.
C) This option is incorrect. An ECG is not directly used to diagnose kidney damage. Blood tests like creatinine and BUN are more specific for assessing kidney function in the context of hypertension.
D) This option is incorrect. An ECG does not provide information on blood levels of sodium and potassium. Blood tests are used for evaluating electrolyte levels, not ECG results.