which of the following is true regarding vascular resistance in arterial and venous systems?

Arteries indeed have higher resistance than veins due to several key physiological characteristics. The walls of arteries are thicker and have more smooth muscle and elastic tissue compared to veins. This structural difference allows arteries to withstand and regulate high pressures generated by the heart's contractions. The primary function of arteries is to deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues under high pressure, which necessitates a higher resistance to control blood flow effectively.

In contrast, veins operate under much lower pressure and are more compliant, meaning they can easily expand to accommodate varying volumes of blood. This results in lower resistance in the venous system. The capacity and structure of veins allow them to act as reservoirs for blood, and they often contain valves that prevent backflow, further demonstrating their role in venous return rather than high resistance.

Therefore, the statement that arteries have higher resistance is accurate and reflects the differences in function and structure between the arterial and venous systems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for any critical care nurse, as it helps in the management of hemodynamics and overall patient care.