Biology Forums - Study Force

A client is being seen after being on hypertension medication for the last 3 months. The client has lost weight since the last visit. The client also tells the nurse that he or she is walking 2 miles 5 days a week and has been eating more fruits and vegetables. What does the nurse anticipate from the prescriber?
 
  1.A nutrition consult
  2. A decrease in the medication
  3. A weight check
  4. A smoking cessation program

2

Rationale 1:A nutrition consult is not recommended as the client has already decided to add fruits and vegetables to their diet.
Rationale 2: The client has implemented positive lifestyle changes. Therefore, the prescriber may reduce the medication based on the changes and the blood pressure.
Rationale 3:A weight check would have been part of the visit.
Rationale 4:A smoking cessation program would be indicated if the client smoked. The client does not smoke.

Global Rationale: For many patients, implementing positive lifestyle changes may eliminate the need for pharmacotherapy altogether. Because all blood pressure medications have potential adverse effects, it is important that patients attempt to control their disease through nonpharmacologic means to the greatest extent.