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
A. "I can have two glasses of wine with dinner." While moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable, guidelines typically recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women. Two glasses of wine may exceed this recommendation, and excessive alcohol can contribute to higher blood pressure. B. "I will set my blood pressure goal at 130 over 84." The target blood pressure for individuals with mild hypertension is usually less than 130/80 mmHg. Setting a goal of 130/84 does not meet the recommended guidelines for managing hypertension effectively. C. "I should exercise for 15 minutes two times per week!" While any exercise is beneficial, the general recommendation for adults is to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which translates to about 30 minutes on most days. Exercising only two times per week for 15 minutes is insufficient for achieving cardiovascular health and blood pressure management. D. "I should decrease my salt intake to 2 grams per day." Decreasing salt intake to 2 grams per day indicates an understanding of dietary recommendations for managing hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day, and further reduction to 1,500 mg may be beneficial for those with hypertension. Reducing salt can help lower blood pressure effectively.