A nurse is assessing a client with a history of high blood pressure. The client's blood pressure is 210/106 mm Hg during the assessment. What follow-up question should the nurse ask?
"Have you recently taken any antihistamines?"
"Have there been recent stressful events in your life?"
"Did you take any acetaminophen today?"
"Have you consistently taken your medications?"
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D: This question is crucial as it addresses the client's adherence to their prescribed medication regimen for managing high blood pressure. Consistent medication use is essential for controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk of complications associated with hypertension. The elevated blood pressure reading suggests that the current medication regimen may not be effectively controlling the client's blood pressure. By assessing medication adherence, the nurse can determine if non-adherence is contributing to the high blood pressure reading or if adjustments to the medication regimen are required.
"Have you recently taken any antihistamines?": Asking about recent antihistamine use is not directly relevant to the client's high blood pressure reading of 210/106 mm Hg. Antihistamines are medications primarily used to relieve allergy symptoms and do not typically have a significant impact on blood pressure levels.
"Have there been recent stressful events in your life?": While stress can contribute to temporary increases in blood pressure, asking about recent stressful events is not the most critical follow-up question in this situation. The client's blood pressure reading of 210/106 mm Hg indicates a severe elevation that requires immediate attention and management beyond stress reduction alone.
"Did you take any acetaminophen today?": Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It does not typically have a significant effect on blood pressure. Therefore, asking about acetaminophen use is not the most relevant follow-up question for the client's high blood pressure reading.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Based on the information provided, the nurse should anticipate that the medical treatment prescribed for a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm less than 3 cm in size would be regular ultrasound screenings every six (6) months.
Monitoring the size of the abdominal aortic aneurysm through ultrasound is a common approach for managing small aneurysms. Regular ultrasound screenings allow healthcare providers to track the growth rate of the aneurysm and determine if any intervention, such as surgical repair, is necessary as the aneurysm progresses in size.
Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the most appropriate treatments for an abdominal aortic aneurysm less than 3 cm in size:
Intravenous pyelogram yearly: An intravenous pyelogram is an imaging test used to evaluate the urinary system, specifically the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It is not directly related to the management or monitoring of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Assessment of abdominal girth monthly: Assessing the abdominal girth may be a part of the overall assessment of the client's condition, but it is not the primary treatment for managing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Monitoring the aneurysm size through regular ultrasound screenings is a more specific and accurate approach.
Repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: Repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is typically indicated when the aneurysm reaches a certain size threshold or if it poses a high risk of rupture. For an aneurysm less than 3 cm in size, repair is usually not the initial treatment option. Instead, regular monitoring through ultrasound screenings is recommended to assess the aneurysm's growth rate and determine the appropriate time for intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Enalapril (Vasotec) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication commonly used to treat hypertension. One of the potential side effects of ACE inhibitors is hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, it is generally recommended for patients taking ACE inhibitors to avoid excessive intake of high-potassium foods.
The charge nurse should intervene because advising the client to increase their dietary intake of high-potassium foods contradicts the precautions associated with taking enalapril. Consuming high-potassium foods while taking this medication can potentially lead to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, which can have serious health consequences.
Let's review the other statements made by the nurse:
"Make an appointment with the dietitian for teaching": This is an appropriate statement as it encourages the client to seek professional guidance on dietary management of hypertension. A dietitian can provide valuable information on healthy eating habits and strategies to reduce blood pressure.
"Check your blood pressure at home at least once a day": This is also an appropriate statement as it promotes self-monitoring of blood pressure, which is important for clients with hypertension. Regular monitoring helps the client track their progress and detect any changes that may require medical attention.
"Move slowly when moving from lying to sitting to standing": This is a correct statement as it advises the client to practice orthostatic precautions. ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Moving slowly can help prevent dizziness and falls.
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