Question

A client in a clinic setting has just been diagnosed with hypertension. When the client asks what the end goal is for treatment, what is the nurse's best response?

a. To prevent complications/death by achieving and maintaining a blood pressure of 140/90 or less
b. To prevent complications/death by achieving and maintaining a blood pressure of 145/95 or less
c. To stop smoking and increase physical activity to 30 minutes/day most days of the week
d. To lose weight, achieve a body mass index of 24 or less, and to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Answer 1

The goal of hypertension treatment is to prevent complications by maintaining a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or less, with lifestyle changes and medication as part of the treatment plan.

Step-by-step explanation:

The end goal of hypertension treatment is to prevent complications and death by achieving and maintaining a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or less. However, it's important to note that guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association now define hypertension that should be treated as 130/80 mm Hg. Treating hypertension not only involves medications but also lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, increasing physical activity to at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week, and following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Moreover, achieving an optimal body mass index (BMI) may also be recommended as part of the holistic approach to treatment.