A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. "I can have two glasses of wine with dinner." While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable, guidelines typically recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women. Two glasses of wine may exceed this recommendation, and excessive alcohol can contribute to higher blood pressure.
B. "I will set my blood pressure goal at 130 over 84." The target blood pressure for individuals with mild hypertension is usually less than 130/80 mmHg. Setting a goal of 130/84 does not meet the recommended guidelines for managing hypertension effectively.
C. "I should exercise for 15 minutes two times per week!" While any exercise is beneficial, the general recommendation for adults is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which translates to about 30 minutes on most days. Exercising only two times per week for 15 minutes is insufficient for achieving cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.
D. "I should decrease my salt intake to 2 grams per day." Decreasing salt intake to 2 grams per day indicates an understanding of dietary recommendations for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day, and further reduction to 1,500 mg may be beneficial for those with hypertension. Reducing salt can help lower blood pressure effectively.

• Administer sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a first-line treatment for angina or suspected myocardial infarction. It dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
• Apply supplemental oxygen. Routine oxygen administration is no longer recommended unless the client is hypoxic (oxygen saturation below 90%) because excessive oxygen can lead to vasoconstriction and worsen myocardial injury.
• Obtain a 12-lead ECG. While an ECG is important for diagnosing myocardial infarction, the priority in an acute chest pain episode is symptom relief and hemodynamic stability. The ECG should already have been obtained at admission.
• Administer morphine sulfate IV. Morphine is used to manage severe chest pain that is not relieved by nitroglycerin. It reduces myocardial oxygen demand, preload, and anxiety, which can help relieve symptoms.
• Monitor vital signs. Continuous monitoring is essential, but it is not the most immediate intervention in an acute episode of worsening chest pain. The focus should be on relieving ischemia and reducing myocardial workload.
• Educate the client about smoking cessation. While smoking cessation is critical for long-term cardiovascular health, education is not a priority when the client is experiencing acute chest pain requiring immediate intervention.