What is included in the first-line therapeutic approach to lowering blood pressure in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension? (Select all that apply)
Weight loss.
Exercise programs.
Beta-blockers.
Decreased sodium intake.
Smoking cessation.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A rationale
Weight loss is often recommended as a first-line therapeutic approach to lowering blood pressure in patients diagnosed with essential hypertension. Excess weight can increase the strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to higher blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Regular physical activity is another important part of managing hypertension. Exercise can help lower blood pressure by improving heart health and reducing weight.
Choice C rationale
Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are a type of medication used to treat hypertension. However, they are not typically the first choice for initial therapy unless the patient has a specific indication for this class of medication, such as heart failure or angina.
Choice D rationale
Decreasing sodium intake is another lifestyle change that can help lower blood pressure. Consuming too much sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which can increase blood pressure.
Choice E rationale
Smoking cessation is also recommended for patients with hypertension. While smoking does not directly cause high blood pressure, it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight may be experiencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism if not treated. However, DVT is not immediately life-threatening in most cases.
Choice B rationale
A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools is likely experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, a common side effect of anticoagulant therapy. This can lead to severe blood loss, anemia, and hypovolemic shock, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Therefore, this patient should be prioritized for assessment.
Choice C rationale
A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse likely has peripheral artery disease and an infection that could lead to sepsis if not treated. However, while this condition needs medical attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain could be experiencing a number of conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal strain to aortic dissection. While an aortic dissection is a medical emergency, without additional symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, this patient is not the highest priority.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The need for Metoprolol (Lopresor) STAT does not necessarily indicate progression to septic shock. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and angina. While it may be used in the management of sepsis to control heart rate, its use does not specifically indicate progression to septic shock.
Choice B rationale
The need for Norepinephrine to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) greater than 65 mmHg despite fluid replacement is a strong indicator of septic shock. Norepinephrine is a vasopressor, a type of medication used to increase blood pressure. In septic shock, vasopressors are often required to maintain adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion despite aggressive fluid resuscitation.
Choice C rationale
A serum lactate level less than 2 mmol/L is generally not indicative of septic shock. Elevated lactate levels can indicate tissue hypoperfusion, a condition that may occur in septic shock. However, a level less than 2 mmol/L is typically considered within the normal range.
Choice D rationale
A blood pressure of 70/34 after the fluid bolus could indicate progression to septic shock. In septic shock, despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, blood pressure often remains dangerously low, which can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs.
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