A nurse is caring for a patient who is returning for a repeat blood pressure to determine if white coat syndrome occurred during the first clinical visit. Which diagnostic test will be used to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension?

A. Administer post-exposure prophylaxis medication: Administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication is an essential step in preventing HIV transmission after a needlestick injury. However, it is not the first action to be taken. Before administering PEP, immediate precautions should be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission.

B. Determine the HIV status of the patient: While knowing the HIV status of the patient is important for assessing the risk of transmission, it is not the first action to be taken after a needlestick injury. Obtaining the patient's HIV status may take time and may not be immediately available. Therefore, other precautionary measures should be implemented first.

C. Advise exposed health care providers to use precautions: This is the most immediate and appropriate action following a needlestick injury. Advising exposed healthcare providers to use precautions, such as wearing gloves and washing the affected area thoroughly, helps minimize the risk of HIV transmission immediately after the incident. It is essential to prioritize safety measures for the healthcare provider while waiting for further assessment and management steps.

D. Undergo early reevaluation after exposure: While early reevaluation after exposure is important, especially for assessing the need for additional medical interventions, it is not the first action to be taken. Immediate precautions to prevent transmission should be prioritized before further evaluation.

A. Cereals: Cereals, especially whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice, are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for managing hypertension. Dietary fiber helps regulate blood cholesterol levels and promotes satiety, which can contribute to weight management. Whole grains also contain essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium, which have been shown to have blood pressure-lowering effects. By including cereals in the diet, particularly whole grain varieties, patients can improve their cardiovascular health and lower their risk of hypertension-related complications.

B. Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Potassium is a crucial nutrient for regulating blood pressure as it helps balance sodium levels in the body. Additionally, the antioxidants found in citrus fruits may help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, further supporting cardiovascular health. Including citrus fruits in the diet can provide patients with essential nutrients while contributing to lower blood pressure levels and overall heart health.

C. Pork: Pork is not typically recommended in the DASH diet due to its high saturated fat and sodium content. Diets high in saturated fat have been associated with increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Additionally, processed pork products such as bacon and sausage often contain added sodium, which can contribute to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. Therefore, it is advisable for patients with hypertension to limit their intake of pork and opt for leaner protein sources such as poultry, fish, beans, and legumes.

D. Whole milk: Whole milk is high in saturated fat, which is not recommended in the DASH diet for individuals with hypertension. Saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and hypertension-related complications such as heart disease and stroke. To promote heart health and lower blood pressure, patients are encouraged to choose low-fat or skim milk options, which provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D without the added saturated fat content.

E. Almonds: Almonds are a nutrient-dense food that can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension. They are rich in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Almonds also contain magnesium, potassium, and fiber, all of which play important roles in regulating blood pressure. Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium, and fiber promotes satiety and digestive health. Including almonds in the diet as a source of healthy fats and nutrients can contribute to lower blood pressure and overall cardiovascular wellness.