The nurse is preparing an adolescent for discharge after a cardiac catheterization. Which statement by the adolescent would indicate the need for further teaching?

The correct answer is choice C. Treating the underlying disease.

Choice A rationale:

Administration of digoxin. Administering digoxin is not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it is not a primary intervention for hypertension. The rationale for this choice being incorrect lies in the fact that digoxin primarily affects the heart's contractility and is not a preferred option for managing high blood pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Weight control and diet. Weight control and dietary modifications are important aspects of managing hypertension, both primary and secondary. However, they are not the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these lifestyle modifications can contribute to blood pressure reduction, the primary focus in secondary hypertension is to identify and address the underlying condition causing the high blood pressure.

Choice C rationale:

Treating the underlying disease. Correct Answer. The initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension is to address the underlying disease or condition that is causing the elevated blood pressure. Unlike primary hypertension, which often lacks a specific underlying cause, secondary hypertension results from an identifiable condition such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications. Treating the root cause can lead to blood pressure normalization.

Choice D rationale:

Administration of β-adrenergic receptor blockers. Administering β-adrenergic receptor blockers is not typically the initial goal for the treatment of secondary hypertension. While these medications can lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline and reducing heart rate, they are not the first-line approach for addressing the underlying cause of secondary hypertension.

The correct answer is choice A. Slowed growth.

Choice A rationale:

Slowed growth is a potential risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are a cornerstone of asthma management due to their anti-inflammatory effects on the airways, but they can have systemic effects when absorbed in larger amounts. Prolonged use of these steroids can potentially lead to growth suppression in children by affecting the normal growth and development of bones and other tissues.

Choice B rationale:

Osteoporosis is not the primary concern in children taking inhaled steroids. While long-term use of high-dose systemic steroids can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis in adults, the risk of osteoporosis is much lower in children receiving inhaled steroids for asthma management. Inhaled steroids have a lower systemic absorption, reducing the risk of significant bone density reduction in children.

Choice C rationale:

Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, often due to excessive use of systemic steroids. Inhaled steroids, especially at recommended doses, have a lower likelihood of causing Cushing's syndrome compared to systemic steroids. The systemic absorption of inhaled steroids is limited, minimizing the risk of this syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Cough is not the primary increased risk associated with long-term use of inhaled steroids in children with asthma. Inhaled steroids are actually used to help control and prevent asthma symptoms, including cough. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps alleviate symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.