Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which factor is NOT associated with increased risk of perioperative cardiac complications for noncardiac surgery?

1. Ischemic heart disease

2. Congestive heart failure

3. Renal insufficiency

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is commonly observed in the general population and can often be managed effectively with lifestyle change and medication. While hypertension itself is a significant health concern and can elevate the risk of cardiovascular events, it is not in the same category as ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, or renal insufficiency in directly contributing to perioperative cardiac complications. Patients with ischemic heart disease have a history of angina, myocardial infarction, or related conditions, which severely heightens their perioperative risk. Congestive heart failure compromises the heart's ability to pump effectively, increasing the likelihood of complications during surgery. Similarly, renal insufficiency can disrupt fluid and electrolyte balance, further increasing the risk of cardiac events. In contrast, while poorly managed hypertension can lead to cardiac issues over time, well-controlled hypertension is often not associated with the same acute perioperative risks as the other aforementioned conditions. Therefore, it stands out as the factor least associated with increased risk of perioperative cardiac complications in the context of noncardiac surgery.