A 56-yr-old patient who has no previous history of hypertension or other health problems suddenly develops a blood pressure (BP)of 198/110 mm Hg. After reconfirming the BP,it is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient that

Question

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A sudden increase in BP in a patient older than age 50 years with no previous hypertension history or risk factors indicates that the hypertension may be secondary to some other problem. The BP will need treatment and ongoing monitoring. If the patient has no other risk factors,a stroke in the immediate future is unlikely. There is no indication that dietary salt or fat intake have contributed to this sudden increase in BP,and reducing intake of salt and fat alone will not be adequate to reduce this BP to an acceptable level.

A 56-Yr-Old Patient Who Has No Previous History of Hypertension