A nurse is reinforcing teaching about healthy lifestyle changes with a female client who has mild hypertension. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
"I should decrease my salt intake to 2 grams per day." - This statement is correct. Decreasing salt intake is an important dietary modification for individuals with hypertension. The general recommendation is to limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day or less. Reducing salt intake can help lower blood pressure levels. "I can have two glasses of wine with dinner." - This statement is not accurate. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, it is generally recommended to limit alcohol intake, especially for individuals with hypertension. The specific recommendation for alcohol consumption may vary depending on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. "I should exercise for 15 minutes two times per week." - This statement is not accurate. While any amount of physical activity is beneficial, the current recommendations for adults include at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. The client should aim for a higher frequency and duration of exercise to achieve optimal health benefits.