Final answer:
The nurse should focus most intensively on screening the middle-aged African-American man for hypertension, as research indicates that African Americans are at a higher risk for hypertension and associated health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Focus on Hypertension Screening
When a community health nurse is screening for hypertension, the group that warrants particularly intensive focus is the one with the highest risk of developing the condition. Perceived discrimination and certain stressors have been associated with increased risk for hypertension, especially in the African American community. Among the options presented, (A) a postmenopausal Caucasian woman, (B) a 45-year-old Asian woman, (C) a middle-aged African-American man, and (D) a Hispanic teenager, the nurse should focus most intensively on the middle-aged African-American man. This prioritization is based on research indicating that African Americans experience a higher prevalence of hypertension and are often diagnosed at younger ages compared to other groups.
Hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer. It's clinically defined as having a chronic blood pressure measurement of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, with the condition being silent because it may present with no noticeable symptoms. Therefore, it is critical for high-risk groups to be screened to prevent severe outcomes such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and further organ damage.