An older adult is newly diagnosed with primary hypertension, and has just been started on a beta-blocker. What information should the nurse include in the health education for this client?
Maintaining a diet high in dairy to increase protein necessary to prevent organ damage
Use of strategies to prevent falls stemming from postural hypotension
Limiting exercise to avoid injury that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure
Increasing fluids to avoid extracellular volume depletion from the diuretic effects of the beta-blocker
The Correct Answer is B
A. Maintaining a diet high in dairy to increase protein necessary to prevent organ damage
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. While a balanced diet is important, there is no specific recommendation to maintain a diet high in dairy to prevent organ damage related to hypertension.
B. Use of strategies to prevent falls stemming from postural hypotension
Explanation: This is a correct and important consideration. Beta-blockers can cause postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), and strategies to prevent falls, such as rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, are crucial.
C. Limiting exercise to avoid injury that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Exercise is generally beneficial for individuals with hypertension, and beta-blockers do not cause increased intracranial pressure.
D. Increasing fluids to avoid extracellular volume depletion from the diuretic effects of the beta-blocker
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Beta-blockers are not typically associated with diuretic effects. Diuretics are a different class of medications commonly used for hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The patient pain reflects the target heart rate has been set too high and needs to be lowered to finish the test.
This option suggests that the chest pain is related to the target heart rate being set too high. However, chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than an inappropriate target heart rate. Lowering the target heart rate may not address the underlying issue of ischemia.
B. The patient’s pain reflects pericarditis and the test should be stopped.
Chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than pericarditis. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, and its symptoms may include chest pain that is often sharp and pleuritic. However, during an exercise stress test, the focus is on detecting cardiovascular abnormalities, and chest pain is more concerning for ischemia.
C. The patient’s pain reflects ischemia to the myocardium and the test should be stopped.
This is the most appropriate interpretation. Chest pain during an exercise stress test may indicate insufficient oxygen supply to the myocardium (ischemia). Stopping the test allows for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.
D. The patient’s pain reflects that supplemental oxygen is needed to finish the test.
Chest pain during an exercise stress test is not typically addressed by providing supplemental oxygen. Stopping the test and evaluating the cause of the chest pain is a more appropriate action.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Did you have rheumatic fever as a child?"
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, especially the heart valves. Rheumatic fever is a known risk factor for the development of valvular heart disease. Asking about a history of rheumatic fever helps identify a potential cause for valve malfunction.
B. "Do you have a family history of valve problems?"
Family history can be relevant in understanding genetic predispositions to certain cardiac conditions. While it may contribute to the overall assessment of cardiac risk, it may not be as directly linked to valve malfunction as a history of rheumatic fever.
C. "Do you have a history of MRSA?"
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacterial infection and is not directly associated with valve malfunction. This question may be relevant for other aspects of the client's health but is not specific to ruling out cardiac issues related to valve malfunction.
D. "What over-the-counter medications do you take?"
While knowing the medications a client takes is important for a comprehensive assessment, asking about over-the-counter medications may not be as directly related to ruling out cardiac issues related to valve malfunction. It is more relevant for assessing potential interactions or effects on cardiovascular health.

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