Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Practice
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension. What lifestyle modification should the nurse emphasize?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct lifestyle modification that the nurse should emphasize for a client with hypertension is to increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day. Proper hydration helps manage hypertension by supporting kidney function in regulating blood pressure and by diluting sodium levels in the body. Decreasing potassium intake (Choice A) is not recommended, as potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables are beneficial for blood pressure control. Avoiding foods high in calcium (Choice C) is not directly related to managing hypertension, and increasing sodium intake (Choice D) is contraindicated as excess sodium can elevate blood pressure.