Which of the following can contribute to elevated blood pressure? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Caffeine use: Caffeine can cause transient increases in blood pressure by stimulating the central nervous system and causing vasoconstriction. Frequent consumption may contribute to sustained hypertension in sensitive individuals. B. Tobacco use: Nicotine from tobacco acutely raises blood pressure and heart rate through sympathetic nervous system stimulation. Chronic use contributes to vascular damage and long-term hypertension risk. C. Acetaminophen use: Acetaminophen generally does not have a significant impact on blood pressure. It is considered safe for analgesia in patients with hypertension and is not a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure. D. OTC decongestant use: Over-the-counter decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, cause vasoconstriction and can acutely raise blood pressure. They should be used with caution in patients with hypertension.