What is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for Mr. Carter?

Choice A reason: Risk for infection is not specific to Mr. Carter’s context unless evidence of wounds or immunosuppression exists. Hypertension management focuses on lifestyle and medication adherence, not infection, making this an incorrect nursing diagnosis compared to addressing knowledge deficits in health maintenance. Choice B reason: Ineffective health maintenance related to knowledge deficit is appropriate for Mr. Carter, likely a hypertensive patient needing education on lifestyle changes and medication adherence. This diagnosis addresses the need for teaching to improve self-management, making it the most relevant for optimizing his hypertension control and health outcomes. Choice C reason: Acute pain is not typically associated with hypertension unless complications like angina occur. Mr. Carter’s primary issue is managing hypertension, not pain, making this an incorrect diagnosis, as knowledge deficits in health maintenance are more relevant to his condition and care needs. Choice D reason: Risk for fluid volume deficit is less relevant for hypertension, which often involves fluid overload. Diuretics may cause depletion, but the primary issue is health maintenance through education, making this an incorrect diagnosis compared to addressing Mr. Carter’s need for hypertension management knowledge.