The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client newly diagnosed with hypertension. Which food item(s) should the nurse instruct the client to avoid in order to assist In controlling the blood pressure? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Packaged meats such as salami and bacon
Grapefruit juice
Canned soups
Fresh fruits
Fresh shellfish
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A reason:
Packaged meats, including salami and bacon, are typically high in sodium, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals with hypertension limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 milligrams for most adults². Since packaged meats are often cured with salt, they can significantly contribute to the daily sodium intake, potentially exacerbating hypertension.
Choice B reason:
Grapefruit juice can interact with certain antihypertensive medications, potentially leading to higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream and an increased risk of side effects¹. This interaction occurs because grapefruit juice can inhibit the action of an enzyme that metabolizes medication, leading to an unintended increase in medication levels.
Choice C reason:
Canned soups are often high in sodium, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. Even low-sodium varieties can still contain significant amounts of sodium. It's important for individuals with hypertension to read labels carefully and choose options with the lowest sodium content possible².
Choice D reason:
Fresh fruits are generally recommended for individuals with hypertension. They are rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium and easing tension in the blood vessel walls¹. Fresh fruits should not be avoided unless there is a specific reason related to another health condition or medication interaction.
Choice E reason:
Fresh shellfish, like fresh fruits, are typically safe for individuals with hypertension to consume. They provide essential nutrients without the added sodium that is found in processed foods. However, it's important to consume them in moderation and to prepare them without adding excessive salt or high-sodium sauces.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
While some medications for hypertension can cause visual side effects, it is not the most immediate concern when a patient reports blurred vision. Medication-related side effects are important to consider, but they typically present consistently rather than intermittently.
Choice B Reason
An ophthalmic examination is crucial for evaluating intermittent blurred vision in a client with hypertension. Hypertension can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, where high blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially resulting in blurred vision or vision loss. An eye exam can help diagnose this condition and prevent further complications.
Choice C Reason
Blurred vision can indeed be associated with hypertension, particularly in severe cases or hypertensive crises. However, it is not considered a 'common' problem but rather a sign of potential end-organ damage, such as hypertensive retinopathy, which requires prompt medical evaluation.
Choice D Reason
The risk of brain tumors is not directly associated with hypertension. While hypertension is a risk factor for certain conditions like stroke, it is not typically linked with an increased risk of brain tumors. This choice might cause unnecessary alarm without a clinical basis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Monitoring for hypoglycemia at 1200 is not optimal because it is well past the peak action time of insulin aspart, which occurs approximately 45–90 minutes after administration. By noon, the insulin's effects are waning, and the risk of hypoglycemia is lower compared to the peak action period.
Choice B Reason
Monitoring at 1000 might still catch the tail end of the peak action time, but it is not the most likely time for hypoglycemia to occur. The nurse could miss the initial signs of hypoglycemia if monitoring starts two hours after administration.
Choice C Reason
0900 is the most appropriate time for the nurse to monitor for hypoglycemia. Insulin aspart has a rapid onset of action, peaking in about 45–90 minutes, and the effects last for 3–5 hours. Monitoring one hour after administration aligns with the start of the peak action time, when hypoglycemia is most likely to occur.
Choice D Reason
Monitoring at 1100 is less ideal because it is nearing the end of the peak action period. While there is still a risk for hypoglycemia, the highest risk would have been earlier, closer to the peak action time.
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