Nokea
A patient is receiving discharge instructions after experiencing a stroke. Which instruction is most important for preventing another stroke?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take prescribed antihypertensive medications regularly. This is the most important instruction for preventing another stroke because hypertension is a major risk factor for strokes. By controlling blood pressure with antihypertensive medications, the patient can significantly reduce the risk of another stroke. Engaging in physical therapy exercises (choice B) can be beneficial for overall recovery but is not as critical for stroke prevention as managing blood pressure. Following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet (choice C) is important for heart health but not the most crucial for stroke prevention. Attending regular follow-up appointments (choice D) is essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment but does not directly prevent another stroke like managing hypertension does.