A 46-year-old African American man is in an outpatient clinic for a physical examination. His blood pressure (BP) is 126 mm Hg, his body mass index (BMI) is 24, and he reports no previous medical problems. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Schedule his next appointment for 1 year from now.
Provide information for a weight loss plan that includes increasing physical activity.
Provide information about how to reduce risk factors of hypertension.
Schedule an appointment for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Scheduling the next appointment for 1 year from now is a standard practice for patients who are considered to be in good health and have no immediate medical concerns. Given the patient's normal BP and BMI, along with no reported medical problems, this would typically be an appropriate action. However, it is essential to consider the patient's age and race, as African American men are at a higher risk for certain conditions, such as prostate cancer, which may warrant more frequent monitoring.
Choice B reason: While providing information for a weight loss plan that includes increasing physical activity is generally beneficial, it may not be necessary for this patient. His BMI is 24, which falls within the normal range (18.5-24.9), indicating that he is not overweight. Therefore, unless the patient expresses a desire to lose weight or improve fitness, this action might not be a priority.
Choice C reason:Offering information on reducing risk factors for hypertension is always a positive step in preventive healthcare. However, the patient's BP is 126 mm Hg, which is considered a normal reading (normal BP range is 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg). Therefore, while education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle is valuable, it may not be the most critical action for this visit.
Choice D reason:Scheduling a PSA test is recommended for African American men starting at age 45 due to their increased risk of prostate cancer. The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which can be an indicator of prostate cancer. Given the patient's demographic, this proactive screening measure is advisable, despite the absence of symptoms or previous medical problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : A low sodium diet is often prescribed for patients with heart conditions to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention. It is not typically something that would need to be questioned in the context of recent pacemaker surgery.
Choice B reason : Checking serum cardiac enzyme levels is a common practice after heart surgery to monitor for any signs of damage to the heart muscle. This would not typically be questioned unless there were specific contraindications for the patient.
Choice C reason : An MRI of the chest should be questioned because MRI machines use strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker. Unless the pacemaker is specifically labeled as MRI-safe, this type of imaging could be dangerous for the patient.
Choice D reason : Physical therapy is a standard part of recovery after many types of surgery, including pacemaker insertion, to help the patient regain strength and mobility. It would not typically be questioned unless the patient had specific restrictions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Probiotics are beneficial for gut health and may have a role in maintaining a healthy immune system, but they are not primarily known for lowering blood pressure. While some studies suggest a potential benefit of probiotics on blood pressure, more research is needed to establish a direct effect.
Choice B reason : Garlic is well-known for its potential benefits in lowering blood pressure. It contains allicin, which is thought to help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that garlic supplements can have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Choice C reason : Ginger root is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties and gastrointestinal benefits. Some studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood pressure, but the evidence is not as strong as it is for garlic. Therefore, it is not the primary recommendation for hypertension management.
Choice D reason : Valerian is often used for its sedative effects and to aid sleep. There is limited evidence to suggest that valerian has any significant impact on blood pressure. It is not typically recommended as a treatment for hypertension.
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