The most important long-term goal for a client with hypertension would be to:
A. Learn how to avoid stress.
B. Explore a job change or early retirement.
C. Make a commitment to long-term therapy.
D. Control high blood pressure.
Correct Answer: C. Make a commitment to long-term therapy
Compliance is the most critical element of hypertensive therapy. In most cases, hypertensive clients require lifelong treatment and their hypertension cannot be managed successfully without drug therapy. Stress management and weight management are important components of hypertension therapy, but the priority goal is related to compliance. Response to drug therapy (usually consisting of several drugs, including diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, vascular smooth muscle relaxants, beta and calcium channel blockers) is dependent on both the individual as well as the synergistic effects of the drugs.
Option A: Assist the patient to identify specific stressors and possible strategies for coping with them. Recognition of stressors is the first step in altering one’s response to the stressor. Include the patient in the planning of care, and encourage maximum participation in the treatment plan.
Option B: Assess the effectiveness of coping strategies by observing behaviors (ability to verbalize feelings and concerns, willingness to participate in the treatment plan). Adaptive mechanisms are necessary to appropriately alter one’s lifestyle, deal with the chronicity of hypertension, and integrate prescribed therapies into daily living.
Option D: Monitor response to medications to control blood pressure. Because of side effects, drug interactions, and the patient’s motivation for taking antihypertensive medication, it is important to use the smallest number and lowest dosage of medications.
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