Chapter 11

c. The client’s blood pressure meets the criteria for hypertension, which is a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 129 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80 mm Hg. Peripheral vascular disease causes blood return issues, while peripheral arterial disease will cause ischemia and blood flow restrictions. This client has symptoms of erectile dysfunction which can be directly related to the decreased blood flow caused by hypertension.

a. An electrocardiogram evaluates the electrical function of the heart and can provide initial indication of heart disease or heart damage.

c. Increasing fiber intake has several health benefits. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart disease.

d. A cheeseburger contains red meat and cheese, both of which contain saturated fats that contribute to heart disease.

a. It appears that the changes are effective, as the client’s blood pressure is coming down. The goal of the diet is to reduce blood pressure and, secondarily, cholesterol levels. Cholesterol can be affected by much more than just diet, and it may take more than 3 months for levels to decrease.

a. The client’s BMI was never an issue, so they do not have to lose a lot of weight. However, the client needed to lessen their waist size and is currently on track with that goal.

a. The DASH diet has beneficial effects for clients with heart disease, including decreasing sodium intake to control hypertension.

d. Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 129 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mm Hg.

c. A heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, promotes increasing intake of fruits, including pineapple.

a. The client’s body mass index (BMI) has decreased from 30 kg/m², in the obese range, to 29 kg/m², in the overweight range.

c. The HDL level of 48 mg/dL falls within the normal range of greater than 40 mg/dL.

a. Coffee should be avoided because caffeine can trigger or aggravate atrial fibrillation.

c. Torsades de pointes is primarily caused by an extremely low magnesium level, so the priority of care with this client is to monitor their serum magnesium level.

d. A high serum potassium level may cause peaked tall or high T-wave ECG.

b. Oatmeal is not only low in cholesterol but is high in fiber, which helps to lower LDL.

a. Whole milk is high in fat and cholesterol. The DASH diet promotes fat-free or low-fat dairy products.