The nurse is providing discharge education to a client with hypertension. Which essential information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
Maintaining a low-potassium diet
Skipping a medication dose if dizziness occurs
Maintaining a 2 gram-sodium diet
Drink three glasses of wine a day
The Correct Answer is C
Maintaining a 2 gram-sodium (salt) diet is an important aspect of managing hypertension. High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, reducing sodium intake is recommended to help control blood pressure levels. The nurse should provide guidance on reading food labels, avoiding high-sodium processed foods, and incorporating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The other options listed are not appropriate or beneficial for managing hypertension:
Maintaining a low-potassium diet: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. While specific potassium restrictions may be necessary for some individuals with certain medical conditions, most people with hypertension do not need to limit their potassium intake. In fact, a balanced diet with adequate potassium is generally recommended.
Skipping a medication dose if dizziness occurs: It is not advisable to skip medication doses without consulting a healthcare provider. Hypertension medications are prescribed to help control blood pressure, and missing doses can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and potential complications. If the client experiences dizziness or other side effects from the medication, they should consult their healthcare provider for appropriate management.
Drinking three glasses of wine a day: Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to elevated blood pressure. The recommended alcohol intake for individuals with hypertension is moderate or limited to moderate levels, which typically means no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Drinking excessive amounts of wine or any alcoholic beverage can negatively affect blood pressure control.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
"Have you recently taken any antihistamines?": This question is not directly related to the client's high blood pressure. Antihistamines are medications used to treat allergic reactions and have minimal impact on blood pressure.
"Have there been recent stressful events in your life?": Stress can affect blood pressure levels, so this question is relevant. Stressful events can trigger temporary increases in blood pressure. However, it is important to note that consistently high blood pressure readings require medical attention beyond stress management alone.
"Did you take any acetaminophen today?": Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It does not have a significant impact on blood pressure levels. Therefore, this question may not directly address the issue of high blood pressure.
"Have you consistently taken your medications?" : This question is the most appropriate follow-up question for a client with a history of high blood pressure. It addresses medication adherence, which is crucial for managing hypertension. The client's blood pressure reading of 210/106 mm Hg suggests that their current medication regimen may not be effectively controlling their blood pressure. Assessing medication consistency will help determine if the elevated blood pressure is due to non-adherence or if a change in medication is required.
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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