A client’s wife tells the nurse, “I can’t believe my husband has high blood pressure. He feels fine. What caused this?” The nurse’s response should include which of the following?
“One-third of people with high blood pressure are not aware of it.”
“Clients over 50 years of age are at the highest risk of hypertension.”
“Hypertension is more common in Hispanics and Native Americans.”
“Hypertension is more prevalent in the southeastern United States.”
“Your husband works at a desk job all day, so he does not get as much physical activity as he should.”
Numbers 1, 4, and 5 are correct.
Rationale: Hypertension is often called the silent killer because one-third of people with high blood pressure are unaware of it. Hypertension has few signs or symptoms until it causes a stroke or heart attack. Few people experience facial flushing, sweating, and headaches that indicate hypertension until it has progressed to a serious, life-threatening condition. The southeastern United States is often called the “stroke belt” due to the higher incidence of hypertension and stroke in the region. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of hypertension. Clients over age 60 are at greatest risk, and hypertension is higher in African Americans, especially those living in the southeast.
