The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. What barrier to blood pressure management will the nurse identify?

A. Drink purified water: While drinking purified water is important for preventing various waterborne diseases, it is not a preventive measure specifically targeted at hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth. Drinking purified water does not protect against these modes of HBV transmission.

B. Avoid crowded, enclosed spaces: Avoiding crowded, enclosed spaces may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, but it does not specifically prevent HBV transmission. HBV is not transmitted through the air like respiratory viruses. Instead, it is spread through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. While avoiding crowded spaces may be a general infection control measure, it is not a targeted preventive measure for HBV.

C. Complete the vaccination series: This is the correct preventive measure for HBV. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing HBV infection. It is administered as a series of shots, typically given in three doses over a period of several months. Completing the vaccination series provides long-term immunity against HBV infection and is recommended for all individuals, including travelers to regions where HBV is common. Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to reducing the overall prevalence of HBV in the community.

D. Avoid sharing utensils: While avoiding sharing utensils can reduce the risk of transmitting certain infections, such as colds or flu, it is not specifically aimed at preventing HBV transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through activities involving exposure to infected blood or body fluids, rather than through sharing utensils. While practicing good hygiene and avoiding behaviors that may result in exposure to blood or body fluids are important preventive measures for HBV, completing the vaccination series is the most effective way to prevent infection.

A. Chest pain that radiates to the jaw:
This finding suggests myocardial ischemia, as chest pain (angina) that radiates to the jaw is a classic symptom of cardiac origin. It is known as referred pain and occurs because the nerves that innervate the heart and jaw have a similar sensory pathway. The pain may be described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, and it often spreads to the neck, shoulders, arms, or jaw. This pattern of pain radiation is typical in myocardial ischemia or heart attack due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.

B. Sudden and severe abdominal pain:
While abdominal pain can be associated with various conditions, sudden and severe abdominal pain is not a typical symptom of myocardial ischemia. Instead, it may indicate other abdominal issues such as gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, or intra-abdominal vascular events. Myocardial ischemia typically presents with chest pain or discomfort, rather than abdominal pain.

C. Blurred vision:
Blurred vision is not a typical symptom of myocardial ischemia. It may suggest ocular issues such as refractive errors, dry eyes, or conditions affecting the retina or optic nerve. Myocardial ischemia primarily manifests with symptoms related to the heart, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of cardiovascular compromise.

D. Dry cough:
A dry cough is not a typical symptom of myocardial ischemia. It may be associated with various respiratory conditions such as allergies, asthma, or respiratory infections. Myocardial ischemia primarily presents with symptoms related to the heart and cardiovascular system, such as chest pain, palpitations, or dyspnea.