A 69-year-old patient is taking a diuretic for hypertension. Which of the following lifestyle changes should the nurse recommend to enhance the effectiveness of the medication?

Choice A reason: Increasing dietary potassium intake enhances diuretic effectiveness, especially with potassium-losing diuretics, by maintaining electrolyte balance and supporting blood pressure reduction. Foods like bananas help, making this the correct recommendation to improve hypertension management in a 69-year-old patient. Choice B reason: High-intensity exercise is not advised for a 69-year-old on diuretics, as it risks dehydration or orthostatic hypotension. Moderate exercise is safer, making this incorrect, as the nurse should recommend appropriate activity levels to support, not strain, cardiovascular health. Choice C reason: A high-sodium diet counteracts diuretics by promoting fluid retention, raising blood pressure. A low-sodium diet enhances diuretic efficacy, making this incorrect, as the nurse should recommend sodium restriction to improve hypertension control and medication effectiveness. Choice D reason: Limiting fluid intake to 500 mL daily risks dehydration in a patient on diuretics, worsening hypotension or renal function. Adequate hydration is needed, making this incorrect, as the nurse should encourage balanced fluid intake to support safe diuretic therapy.