The nurse is developing a care plan for a client newly diagnosed with hypertension.
The nurse should include which of the following modifications in the client teaching plan of care?
Restricting sodium intake.
Stressing importance of follow-up and ophthalmic care.
Increasing intake of fruits and vegetables.
Taking prescribed medications as ordered.
Not taking medication when blood pressure is less than 140/90 mmHg.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A rationale
Restricting sodium intake is essential as high sodium levels can increase fluid retention, leading to elevated blood pressure. A low-sodium diet reduces the workload on blood vessels and decreases the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension. The recommended sodium intake for adults should be less than 2,300 mg per day, and ideally closer to 1,500 mg daily for optimal blood pressure control.
Choice B rationale
Hypertension can lead to damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, resulting in hypertensive retinopathy. Stressing ophthalmic care ensures early detection and management of vision changes that may be indicative of ongoing vascular damage. Regular ophthalmologic evaluation aids in preventing irreversible vision loss and allows better management of systemic hypertension's effects on ocular health.
Choice C rationale
Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium and relaxes blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, is widely recommended for individuals with hypertension to promote cardiovascular health and regulate blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Taking prescribed medications as ordered ensures consistent management of blood pressure and prevention of complications such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. Antihypertensive medications, including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics, work through various mechanisms to lower blood pressure. Adherence prevents fluctuations and maintains target levels of less than 140/90 mmHg.
Choice E rationale
Not taking medication when blood pressure is less than 140/90 mmHg is incorrect because hypertension management requires consistent medication to maintain target levels and prevent rebound hypertension. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to complications such as severe hypertensive episodes and organ damage. Regular monitoring is crucial to guide therapy adjustments safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Serum electrolyte analysis provides insights into fluid and electrolyte balance but does not specifically diagnose heart failure. Electrolyte changes may occur secondary to heart failure but are not definitive markers for the condition.
Choice B rationale
Complete blood count evaluates for anemia or infection, which may contribute to symptomatology but is not diagnostic for heart failure. Heart failure diagnosis focuses on cardiac-specific markers rather than hematologic parameters.
Choice C rationale
Blood urea nitrogen assesses renal function and reflects perfusion status but lacks specificity for heart failure. Although renal dysfunction may occur in advanced heart failure, BNP measurement is more definitive for cardiac assessment.
Choice D rationale
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a key diagnostic marker for heart failure. Elevated BNP levels occur due to ventricular stretch and strain associated with fluid overload, a hallmark of heart failure. Normal BNP levels are typically <100 pg/mL, with elevated levels strongly suggesting cardiac dysfunction. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Right-sided heart failure with thickened heart muscle refers specifically to the impaired filling capacity due to diastolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction affects the filling phase, not the pumping phase. It may involve one side or both sides but is not explicitly described as right and left-sided diastolic in this context.
Choice B rationale
Right-sided systolic heart failure affects the pumping ability, while diastolic affects filling. Both conditions together do not explain the thickened myocardium impairing filling. A combination of systolic and diastolic failure typically includes both pumping and filling abnormalities rather than isolated thickening with poor filling.
Choice C rationale
Right-sided diastolic failure results from impaired ventricular relaxation and thickened myocardium, leading to reduced filling capacity. This type of failure involves the heart's inability to accommodate blood during diastole, consistent with the description of thickened heart muscle and poor filling on the right side.
Choice D rationale
Right-sided systolic failure involves impaired contractility and pumping of blood to the lungs, not poor filling caused by thickened muscle. Systolic dysfunction decreases the heart's output rather than affecting the filling phase described in this scenario.
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