The nurse is educating a patient whose blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg on ways to lower blood pressure and avoid hypertension. Which lifestyle choices may eliminate the need for pharmacotherapy in this patient?

Question

1. Increasing intake of wine
2. Restricting salt intake
3. Increasing intake of red meat
4. Increasing activity
5. Stopping smoking

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,4,5
Rationale 1: Increasing the intake of alcohol, including wine, is not a positive lifestyle change associated with the nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension. The patient should be encouraged to decrease the intake of alcohol.
Rationale 2: Restricting sodium intake is a positive lifestyle change associated with the nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension.
Rationale 3: Increasing the intake of saturated fat is not a positive lifestyle change associated with the nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension. The patient should be encouraged to decrease the intake of red meat and other sources of saturated fat.
Rationale 4: Increased activity, especially aerobic activity, is a positive lifestyle change associated with the nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension.
Rationale 5: Eliminating tobacco products is a positive lifestyle change associated with the nonpharmacologic treatment of hypertension.