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A patient is being started on new blood pressure medication. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the patient? (Select All that Apply.)

A.

Stop taking the medication if you experience any side effects

B.

Make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly

C.

Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly and keep a log of the readings

D.

Change positions slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls

E.

It's okay to skip doses occasionally if you feel your blood pressure is under control

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D

A. Stop taking the medication if you experience any side effects: Patients should never discontinue antihypertensive medications without medical guidance. Some side effects may be temporary or manageable with adjustments, so it's important to consult the provider rather than stopping the drug abruptly.
B. Make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly: Lifestyle modifications are a key part of managing hypertension and improving cardiovascular health. Diet, weight management, and regular activity can enhance medication effectiveness and reduce long-term complications.
C. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly and keep a log of the readings: Routine self-monitoring allows early detection of abnormal trends and helps evaluate how well the medication is working. A log also assists healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions and adjustments.
D. Change positions slowly to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls: Many antihypertensive drugs can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially when therapy begins. Standing up slowly from sitting or lying positions can prevent dizziness, fainting, and injury from accidental falls.
E. It's okay to skip doses occasionally if you feel your blood pressure is under control: Skipping doses undermines blood pressure stability and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Medications must be taken regularly, even if symptoms are not noticeable.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["0.075"]

Explanation

Given quantity = 75 mcg (micrograms)

Desired unit = mg (milligrams)

Convert from mcg to mg

1 mg = 1000 mcg

75 mcg / 1000 mcg/mg

= 0.075 mg

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A. Beta-blockers like metoprolol can mask the signs of hypoglycemia: Metoprolol can blunt adrenergic symptoms such as tachycardia and tremors, which are key warning signs of hypoglycemia. This is especially concerning in diabetic patients who rely on these symptoms for early detection of low blood glucose.
B. It is safe to take additional doses of Sertraline if the patient feels like their symptoms are worsening: Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), must be taken exactly as prescribed. Taking extra doses increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision for dosage adjustments.
C. The patient should be monitored for orthostatic hypotension: Older adults taking medications like metoprolol and triazolam are at increased risk for orthostatic hypotension due to vasodilation and CNS depression. Monitoring helps prevent falls and syncope, especially when changing positions.
D. Oxycodone can be used long-term without risk of physical dependence: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic and carries a high risk of tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction when used long-term. Even when used appropriately, patients can develop dependence, necessitating careful monitoring.
E. The combination of triazolam and oxycodone increases the risk of respiratory depression: Both drugs are CNS depressants, and their combination can have a synergistic effect on respiratory centers in the brain. This raises the risk of severe respiratory depression, particularly in older adults or those with underlying respiratory conditions.

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