The clinic nurse is caring for an elderly client who is overweight and being treated for hypertension. What is most important for the nurse to emphasize to prevent a stroke (acute brain attack)?

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Risk factors for stroke include diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, obesity (particularly in the abdomen), older age, and genetic susceptibility. The single most important modifiable risk factor is hypertension. Stroke risk can be reduced up to 50% with appropriate treatment of hypertension. Because clients often experience side effects from the antihypertensive medications and don't feel bad with untreated hypertension, they may not realize that it is essential to continue the medications. The nurse should therefore emphasize this point. (Option A) A low-fat, low-salt diet is beneficial to the client, but managing hypertension with medications is most important. (Option B) Smoking is also a major risk factor for stroke, and smoking cessation should be emphasized. However, hypertension is the single most important risk factor. (Option C) Normal BMI is 18.5-24.9 kg/m². Obesity increases the risk of ischemic stroke, but hypertension control is most important. In addition, it is not indicated if the client is slightly overweight or morbidly obese to make this the highest risk factor. Educational objective: The single most important factor in preventing strokes is controlling hypertension.

The Clinic Nurse Is Caring for an Elderly Client Who