A patient presents with stage 2 hypertension. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize in the care plan to effectively manage the patient's condition?

Stage 2 hypertension reflects sustained elevated systemic arterial pressure, typically ≥ 140/90 mmHg, driven by increased systemic vascular resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohormonal activation (including RAAS and sympathetic overactivity), leading to long-term risks of cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular damage. Rationale: A. Limiting blood pressure monitoring to clinic visits only fails to capture ongoing fluctuations in blood pressure and delays identification of poor control. Effective management requires regular home or ambulatory monitoring, not episodic assessment. B. Lifestyle modifications such as reduced sodium intake, increased physical activity, weight control, and dietary improvements directly reduce systemic vascular resistance and improve endothelial function. This is the first-line and most essential intervention in long-term hypertension management. C. Immediate hospitalization with IV antihypertensives is not indicated for stable stage 2 hypertension unless there is a hypertensive emergency with organ damage. Routine cases are managed outpatient with oral therapy and lifestyle modification. D. Starting beta-blockers without assessment is inappropriate because antihypertensive therapy must be individualized based on comorbidities, renal function, and cardiovascular status. Empiric prescribing without evaluation may lead to adverse effects or suboptimal control.