NCLEX PN Practice Tests Related

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The nurse in the outpatient clinic is talking with a client who was diagnosed with hypertension 6 months ago. The client's current blood pressure is 170/94 mm Hg. Which of the following questions would be most important for the nurse to ask?

  • A. Are you feeling overwhelmed at home or work?
  • B. Can you describe your daily eating habits to me?
  • C. Do you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products?
  • D. How often do you take your antihypertensive medications?
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A major disadvantage of long-term management of hypertension is poor adherence to the treatment plan. Blood pressure medications can have unpleasant adverse effects, including fatigue, dizziness, and erectile dysfunction. In addition, clients may stop taking the medications when they believe their blood pressure has returned to normal range or if medications are expensive. Abrupt discontinuation of prescribed antihypertensive medications can lead to hypertensive crisis, a life-threatening emergency characterized by severely elevated blood pressure (ie, systolic ≥180 mm Hg and/or diastolic ≥120 mm Hg). To prevent complications (eg, end organ damage), the nurse should determine if the client has been taking the medications consistently (Option 4). There may be a need for a dosage change or addition of another medication.