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
Taking alprazolam with food may help with some gastrointestinal side effects but does not address the client's concerns about dizziness and light-headedness. While it is a practical suggestion, it is not the priority response when the client is experiencing symptoms that could affect their safety¹.
Choice B Reason
The priority for the nurse is to ensure the client's safety. Dizziness and light-headedness can increase the risk of falls or accidents, especially when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Therefore, advising the client to avoid dangerous activities is the most immediate and appropriate response¹.
Choice C Reason
While it is true that alprazolam is often prescribed for short-term use and some side effects may diminish over time, this does not provide the client with a solution to their current symptoms. The nurse should address the client's immediate concerns and ensure their safety before discussing the duration of medication use¹.
Choice D Reason
Using sugarless gum or candy can help with dry mouth, which is a common side effect of alprazolam. However, this advice does not address the more serious side effects of dizziness and light-headedness that the client is experiencing. Therefore, it is not the priority response but can be included as additional advice¹.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Dysuria, or painful urination, is a common symptom of cystitis and indicates inflammation of the bladder, often caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). While it is a symptom to monitor, it does not necessarily indicate progression of the infection.
Choice B reason:
An increased frequency of urination can be a symptom of cystitis due to irritation of the bladder lining. However, like dysuria, it is a common symptom of a UTI and may not signify that the infection is worsening.
Choice C reason:
Pyuria, the presence of white blood cells in the urine, and hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, are both indicators of inflammation and infection. These symptoms can occur with cystitis but are also not specific to the progression of the infection.
Choice D reason:
Fever is a systemic response to infection and can indicate that a UTI, such as cystitis, is worsening or spreading, possibly to the kidneys, which is known as pyelonephritis. Monitoring for fever is important because it may necessitate more aggressive treatment, such as antibiotics, and possibly hospitalization if the infection is severe.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
