The term heart healthy includes a diet of lean meat, vegetables, low sodium, and a cholesterol level of which of the following?

Choice A reason: Using a reclining chair may reduce leg blood flow in peripheral arterial disease, worsening ischemia and pain. Exercises like knee flexion promote circulation, making this statement incorrect, as it indicates a need for teaching to avoid positions that impair arterial perfusion.

Choice B reason: Knee flexion exercises promote blood flow and collateral circulation in peripheral arterial disease, reducing ischemic pain by improving oxygen delivery to tissues. This statement reflects correct understanding of pain management strategies, making it the appropriate choice for effective discharge teaching.

Choice C reason: Lying down frequently does not specifically address pain in peripheral arterial disease, where exercise improves circulation. Prolonged rest may worsen stasis, making this statement incorrect, as it indicates a need for teaching to emphasize active interventions like exercise for pain relief.

Choice D reason: Sitting with legs down may increase edema or reduce arterial flow in peripheral arterial disease, worsening pain. Exercises like knee flexion are preferred to enhance circulation, making this statement incorrect, as it requires further teaching to correct positioning for pain management.

Choice A reason: A blood pressure of 118/78 mmHg is normal (systolic <120 and diastolic <80), not stage 1 hypertension (systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89). This is incorrect, as it does not meet the criteria for hypertension, requiring clarification for the nurses’ understanding.

Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 122/80 mmHg is elevated (systolic 120–129 and diastolic <80), not stage 1 hypertension, which requires systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89. This is incorrect, as it falls below the threshold for stage 1 classification in hypertension guidelines.

Choice C reason: A blood pressure of 132/88 mmHg falls within stage 1 hypertension (systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89), requiring lifestyle changes and possible medication. This is the correct example, as it accurately represents the classification for stage 1 hypertension in clinical practice.

Choice D reason: A blood pressure of 162/98 mmHg indicates stage 2 hypertension (systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90), not stage 1. This is incorrect, as it exceeds the stage 1 range, requiring the nurse to distinguish it from the milder stage 1 classification.