The stepped-care approach to the treatment of hypertension includes

A) By blocking the effects of histamine in the body:
Antihistamines are pharmacological agents that work by antagonizing the effects of histamine, a chemical mediator released by mast cells and basophils in response to allergens or other triggers. Histamine contributes to various allergic symptoms such as itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Antihistamines exert their effects by competitively binding to histamine receptors (specifically H1 receptors) on target cells, thereby preventing histamine from binding and exerting its physiological effects. By blocking histamine receptors, antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine, leading to the alleviation of allergy symptoms.

B) By reducing inflammation in the body:
While some medications, such as corticosteroids, exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the immune response and inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, antihistamines primarily target histamine receptors and do not directly reduce inflammation. Although histamine release can contribute to inflammation, antihistamines mitigate allergic symptoms primarily by blocking the action of histamine rather than by directly reducing inflammation.

C) By increasing the production of histamine in the body:
This statement is inaccurate. Antihistamines do not increase the production of histamine; instead, they counteract the effects of histamine by blocking its activity at receptor sites. The primary mechanism of action of antihistamines involves blocking histamine receptors to prevent histamine from exerting its physiological effects.

D) By stimulating the immune system:
Antihistamines do not stimulate the immune system. Instead, they act as antagonists to histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting histamine-induced responses. While histamine is involved in immune responses and allergic reactions, antihistamines do not directly modulate immune function or stimulate immune activity. Their primary role is to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine."

A) "I should limit my fluid intake while taking this medication":
This statement is incorrect. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases urine production to reduce fluid overload in conditions like heart failure or edema. It is essential for clients taking furosemide to maintain adequate hydration to prevent dehydration. Therefore, the client should not limit their fluid intake while taking this medication.

B) "My blood pressure will increase while I am taking this medication":
This statement is incorrect. Furosemide is primarily used to reduce blood pressure by promoting diuresis and reducing fluid volume. Therefore, it is unlikely that blood pressure would increase while taking this medication.

C) "I should take this medication in the morning rather than at night":
This is the correct answer. Furosemide is usually taken in the morning to prevent nocturia (excessive urination at night), as it can increase urinary frequency. Taking it earlier in the day allows for better fluid balance during waking hours and reduces the need to wake up frequently during the night to urinate.

D) "I should eat a diet low in potassium while taking this medication":
This statement is incorrect. Furosemide can cause potassium depletion as a side effect, so clients may be advised to consume potassium-rich foods or supplements unless contraindicated due to other medical conditions. However, it is not necessary to eat a diet low in potassium while taking furosemide unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.