Evolve Cardiovascular Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In cases of polyarteritis nodosa, one key adaptation that can be anticipated is an elevation in blood pressure. This condition involves systemic inflammation of medium-sized arteries, which can lead to vascular complications such as hypertension. The inflammation often causes blood vessels to narrow or become occluded, increasing peripheral resistance and subsequently resulting in higher blood pressure readings.

Understanding the role of inflammation in polyarteritis nodosa helps elucidate why blood pressure may be elevated. The body's response to inflammation includes various physiological changes, including increased vascular resistance and sometimes fluid retention, both of which can contribute to higher blood pressure.

The other responses would not typically align with the expected outcomes of polyarteritis nodosa. For instance, a decrease in respiratory rate is not a common finding as this condition primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than respiratory management. Likewise, an increased heart rate might occur due to pain or stress, but it is not a direct consequence of the vascular changes inherent in polyarteritis nodosa. A drop in oxygen saturation would occur in different pathological contexts, often relating to respiratory issues or severe systemic compromise, which is not a primary symptom of this condition. Therefore, the elevation in blood pressure stands out as a significant adaptation associated with the disease.