Complete Evolve Cardiovascular Practice Test 2025

An increase in blood pressure to 200/110 in a client who has undergone a femoral-popliteal bypass graft indicates a potential rupture of the graft due to the excessive pressure it places on the newly created vascular pathway. After such a surgical procedure, the graft is vulnerable to damage, and a significant rise in blood pressure can lead to the failure of the graft site or even rupture, especially if the graft is under stress.

Monitoring blood pressure is crucial postoperatively, as it can provide essential insights into the stability and function of the graft. If the graft were to rupture, it would typically manifest with acute symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, or signs of compromised circulation.

While infection, deep vein thrombosis, and fluid overload are significant postoperative concerns, they may not directly correlate with such a rapid and extreme rise in blood pressure. Infection and fluid overload might lead to changes in vital signs, but typically not as acutely or dramatically as a rupture would, making the link between high blood pressure and graft rupture particularly critical to understand in this context.