The client was diagnosed 6 months ago with hypertension and had a recent emergency department visit for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The client's blood pressure today is 170/88 mm Hg. What teaching topic is a priority for the nurse to discuss with this client?

Question

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The priority teaching topic for this client is taking blood pressure medications as prescribed. A major problem with long-term management of hypertension is poor adherence to the treatment plan. Blood pressure medications can have unpleasant side effects, including fatigue, dizziness, and erectile dysfunction. Client may stop taking the medications when they believe their blood pressure has returned to normal range or if medications are expensive. The nurse should determine whether the client has been taking the medications consistently. There may be a need for a dosage change or addition of another medication. The client's blood pressure is not well controlled, and the TIA places this client at a high risk for a stroke. (Options A, B, and C) Decreasing sodium intake and stress levels, plus increasing activity level, are all helpful in managing hypertension. The client should be doing all these, and the teaching topics need to be reinforced. However, they are a lower priority than taking the blood pressure medications as prescribed. Educational objective: A major problem with long-term management of hypertension is poor adherence to the treatment plan. The nurse should teach the client the importance of taking blood pressure medications as prescribed.

The Client Was Diagnosed 6 Months Ago with Hypertension and Had