Which intervention is essential for managing hypertension in a community-dwelling older adult?

• A. Promote dietary modifications by using varied techniques
• B. Assess the client's current lifestyle and promote lifestyle changes
• C. Monitor the client's blood pressure and weight and establish blood pressure screening programs
• D. Teach the client about correct body mechanics

Answer: (C)

Regularly measuring blood pressure and watching weight, along with establishing community blood pressure screening programs, provides the foundation for detecting hypertension early, tracking its control, and guiding treatment for an older adult living at home. Ongoing BP monitoring helps identify when BP is elevated, whether treatment is working, and if any changes in meds or lifestyle are needed. Weighing the patient supports assessment of cardiovascular risk and fluid status, and it can reveal trends that influence management, such as weight gain contributing to higher BP or edema from treatment. Setting up screening programs in the community extends reach to individuals who may not have frequent clinic visits, allowing early detection, timely intervention, and follow-up to prevent complications like stroke or heart failure. In contrast, while dietary modifications are beneficial and education on body mechanics is important for overall health, they do not alone provide the essential framework for identifying and maintaining BP control in this population.