The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who is on alpha blockers. The nurse is concerned about postural hypotension. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Change positions slowly
Check blood pressure every day for signs of rebound hypertension
Do not become dependent on canes, walkers, or handrails.
Eat plenty of salty food to prevent hypotension
The Correct Answer is A
The information that the nurse should include in the teaching plan for a client with hypertension who is on alpha blockers and at risk for postural hypotension is: Change positions slowly.
Alpha blockers are a class of medications commonly prescribed for hypertension. One potential side effect of alpha blockers is postural hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, such as from sitting to standing. To minimize the risk of postural hypotension, it is important for the client to change positions slowly. The nurse should advise the client to take their time when transitioning from lying down, sitting, or standing, allowing their body to adjust and stabilize their blood pressure.
The other options are not appropriate or helpful in managing postural hypotension:
Check blood pressure every day for signs of rebound hypertension: Rebound hypertension refers to a sudden increase in blood pressure that can occur when discontinuing certain antihypertensive medications. It is not directly related to postural hypotension. Regular blood pressure monitoring is important for managing hypertension, but it is not specifically related to postural hypotension or alpha blockers.
Do not become dependent on canes, walkers, or handrails: Assistive devices like canes, walkers, or handrails can provide support and stability for individuals who experience balance issues or are at risk of falls. It is not necessary to discourage their use unless there are specific contraindications or safety concerns.
Eat plenty of salty food to prevent hypotension: Increasing salt intake is generally not recommended for individuals with hypertension or those at risk of postural hypotension. A high-sodium diet can contribute to elevated blood pressure and is generally discouraged. The nurse should instead encourage a balanced diet that includes appropriate sodium intake based on the client's healthcare provider's recommendations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client reports a headache with pain at level 5 of 10.: While a headache can be a symptom of high blood pressure, a pain level of 5 out of 10 alone does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. It is important to assess and manage the client's pain, but it may not be the most critical finding to report in this situation.
The client has epistaxis after blowing his nose several times. : Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, can occur due to high blood pressure, but it is not the most urgent or critical symptom in a hypertensive emergency. While it is essential to address the nosebleed and monitor blood pressure, other symptoms may indicate more severe consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The client has a urine output of 120 mL over 4 hours.: While decreased urine output can be a concerning sign, it is not the most significant finding to report in a hypertensive emergency. In this scenario, the focus is on acute complications related to high blood pressure, such as organ damage or impending stroke, which require immediate attention.
In summary, the finding that is most important to report to the healthcare provider in a client with a hypertensive emergency is the presence of new-onset blurry vision and facial asymmetry. These symptoms suggest potential neurological involvement and the need for urgent medical intervention to prevent serious complications like stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A bruit is a sound that can be heard with a stethoscope when blood flows through a narrowed or damaged artery. An abdominal bruit may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a bulge or swelling in the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of many conditions, but it is not specific to AAA. It can be caused by heart or lung problems, anemia, anxiety, lack of exercise, obesity, and many other factors. Shortness of breath may occur with a ruptured AAA, but it is not a reliable sign of an intact AAA.
Ripping abdominal pain is a severe and sudden pain that may indicate a ruptured AAA, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. However, an intact AAA usually does not cause any pain or discomfort. Therefore, ripping abdominal pain is not a good indicator of an AAA diagnosis.
Decreased urinary output is a sign of reduced kidney function, which can have many causes such as dehydration, kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, or medication side effects. Decreased urinary output is not directly related to AAA, although it may occur as a complication of a ruptured AAA or surgery to repair an AAA.
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