Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What intervention should the nurse practitioner take when a patient stops taking prescribed hypertension medication upon feeling better?

1. Reassure the patient that he can stop taking the medicine.

2. Educate the patient about hypertension and the importance of taking medication regularly.

3. Lower the dose of the medication and suggest resuming it the next morning.

4. Confront the patient about his behavior in a loud voice.

The correct answer is: Educate the patient about hypertension and the importance of taking medication regularly.

Educating the patient about hypertension and the importance of taking medication regularly is crucial in managing their condition effectively. When patients feel better, they may mistakenly believe that they no longer need their medication. This perspective can be dangerous, as hypertension often does not present with obvious symptoms, and discontinuing medication can lead to serious health risks, such as heart attack or stroke. By providing education, the nurse practitioner can help the patient understand that hypertension is a chronic condition that requires consistent management. Emphasizing the role of medication in controlling blood pressure can empower the patient to adhere to their treatment plan. This approach fosters an open dialogue about their health and encourages the patient to engage actively in their care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Such education might include information about how hypertension affects overall health, the potential consequences of non-adherence to medication, and strategies to manage their condition long-term.