Question

The nurse is caring for an older adult with a diagnosis of hypertension who is being treated with a diuretic and beta-blocker. What should the nurse integrate into the management of this client's hypertension?

a. Ensure that the client receives a larger initial dose of antihypertensive medication due to impaired absorption.
b. Pay close attention to hydration status because of increased sensitivity to extracellular volume depletion.
c. Recognize that an older adult is less likely to adhere to the medication regimen than a younger client.
d. Carefully assess for weight loss because of impaired kidney function resulting from normal aging.

Answer 1

The nurse should pay close attention to the older adult's hydration status due to increased sensitivity to volume depletion when managing their hypertension with a diuretic and beta-blocker. Regular monitoring for signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances is paramount.

Step-by-step explanation:

In managing the hypertension of an older adult being treated with a diuretic and beta-blocker, it is crucial to pay close attention to hydration status because older adults are more sensitive to extracellular volume depletion. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide work by inhibiting the Na/Cl symporter in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct, leading to loss of sodium along with water, potentially reducing extracellular fluid volume. Additionally, older adults may have impaired kidney function due to normal aging, and diuretic use can exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it is not advisable to ensure that the client receives a larger initial dose of antihypertensive medication due to impaired absorption or to assume that an older adult is less likely to adhere to the medication regimen than a younger client without proper assessment. Instead, careful and regular monitoring of the patient's hydration status, as well as monitoring for signs of electrolyte imbalance and kidney function, is essential.