Which information should the nurse include when teaching a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hypertension is usually asymptomatic until target organ damage has occurred. Lifestyle changes(e.g., physical activity, dietary changes) are used to help manage blood pressure, but drugs are needed for most patients. Home BP monitoring should be taught to the patient and findings checked by the health care provider frequently when starting treatment for hypertension and then every 3 months once stable.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thiazide diuretics can cause postural hypotension, which may be potentiated by alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, or hot weather. Diuril does not cause either moderate hyperkalemia or severe hypokalemia and it does not result in hypernatremia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Serotonin causes arteriolar constriction by activating smooth muscle receptors.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Failure of R wave progression can indicate infarction in the posterior left ventricle.