The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old patient who has just begun taking a thiazide diuretic to treat hypertension. What is an important aspect of care for this patient?

a) Encouraging increased fluid intake is not always appropriate for a patient on a thiazide diuretic, as these drugs promote fluid loss. Excess fluid intake may not be beneficial unless there are signs of dehydration. b) Increasing activity and exercise can be beneficial for overall health, but the priority is ensuring safety due to the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls. c) Initiating a fall risk protocol is crucial because thiazide diuretics can cause hypotension, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. d) Providing a low potassium diet is inappropriate, as thiazide diuretics can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels), so monitoring and possibly increasing potassium intake may be necessary.