For a patient on antihypertensive medication, what lifestyle modification should the nurse recommend to enhance medication effectiveness?
Reduce physical activity.
Increase dietary sodium intake.
Limit fluid intake.
Maintain a low-sodium diet and weight management.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Reducing physical activity is not a recommended lifestyle modification for enhancing the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication. Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, strengthens the cardiovascular system, helps manage weight, and can directly lower blood pressure, thereby complementing the effects of medication.
Choice B rationale
Increasing dietary sodium intake is detrimental to blood pressure control. High sodium intake leads to increased fluid retention, which raises blood volume and cardiac output, thereby increasing blood pressure. This counteracts the effect of antihypertensive medication and is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Choice C rationale
Limiting fluid intake is not a universally recommended strategy for all patients on antihypertensive medication. While some conditions like heart failure may require fluid restriction, this is not a general rule for hypertension management. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health and for the proper function of various bodily systems.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining a low-sodium diet and managing weight are two critical lifestyle modifications that enhance the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication. A low-sodium diet reduces fluid retention and blood volume, while weight management decreases the strain on the heart and blood vessels. These actions work synergistically with medication to lower blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy involves the patient ingesting a capsule containing iodine-131, which targets and destroys overactive thyroid cells. The patient's bodily fluids, including saliva, sweat, and urine, become temporarily radioactive. To protect others, especially pregnant women and young children who are more susceptible to radiation, close contact must be avoided for several days to a week.
Choice B rationale
Continuing thyroid medication is incorrect. Antithyroid medications like propylthiouracil or methimazole, used to manage hyperthyroidism, must be stopped several days before radioactive iodine therapy. These drugs can interfere with the uptake of the radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. This is a crucial instruction for treatment success.
Choice C rationale
A high-iodine diet is incorrect. The patient is instructed to follow a low-iodine diet for one to two weeks before the procedure. A low-iodine diet depletes the body's iodine stores, making the thyroid gland "hungry" for iodine. This enhanced uptake ensures that the radioactive iodine is more effectively absorbed by the thyroid cells, increasing treatment efficacy.
Choice D rationale
Increased fluid intake is a correct instruction. Consuming a generous amount of fluids after the procedure helps to flush any unabsorbed radioactive iodine out of the body through the urinary system. This helps to reduce the radiation exposure to other organs and tissues, particularly the salivary glands and the bladder, and minimizes side effects.
Choice E rationale
A low-iodine diet is a correct instruction. As noted in the rationale for choice C, a low-iodine diet is essential for maximizing the uptake of the radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland. By decreasing the body's circulating iodine levels, the thyroid gland becomes more receptive to the radioactive iodine, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of the treatment.
Choice F rationale
Prolonged intimate contact should be avoided. Due to the temporary radioactivity of body fluids and sweat, close contact, including kissing and sexual intercourse, should be avoided for several days to a week. The patient must also avoid sharing utensils and using separate bathrooms to prevent transferring radioactive material to others, particularly vulnerable individuals.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking the medication before bed is incorrect. Thyroid replacement hormones, such as levothyroxine, can increase metabolism and may cause symptoms of insomnia or restlessness if taken too close to bedtime. Therefore, patients are advised to take the medication in the morning to align with the body's natural circadian rhythm and to minimize sleep disturbances.
Choice B rationale
The full therapeutic effects of thyroid replacement medication are not seen after one week. It typically takes several weeks, often four to six, for the medication to reach a steady-state level in the blood and for the patient to experience the full benefits. The dosage may also be adjusted based on subsequent blood tests and symptom assessment.
Choice C rationale
Stopping the drug because of insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism (too much medication) or other factors. The patient should not abruptly stop the medication but should consult their healthcare provider. The provider can then assess the patient's symptoms, check thyroid hormone levels, and adjust the dosage if necessary, rather than ceasing treatment entirely.
Choice D rationale
Taking the medication in the morning on an empty stomach is correct. Levothyroxine absorption is significantly reduced when taken with food, especially those containing calcium, iron, or dietary fiber. Taking it in the morning, at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast, ensures consistent and optimal absorption, which is critical for maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels.
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