Complete a lesson plan for the client with unstable hypertension described in this chapter. Be prepared to participate in an online or class discussion on the topic, to be scheduled by your instructor.

56-year-old white female outpatient with unstable hypertension without angina. She has come to the health clinic after being denied health insurance last week because of the prepolicy examination requirement. Blood pressure measurements ranged from 210/105 to 185/100 on the two consecutive visits. She has had no serious illness or hospitalizations, but she is leaving town in 5 weeks to visit family living abroad for a month. Today, daily antihypertensive medication and a low-sodium diet were prescribed. The client has verbalized the need to lower her blood pressure for insurance purposes. She also reported that she has used a salt substitute for the past 3 days and has continued to play tennis three times a week. Her descriptions of nutritional intake indicate high dietary fat and sodium content in meals prepared at home and selected in restaurants. She volunteers much information about cooking for her family and her attendance at gourmet cooking classes at the local college because she wanted to watch the teacher and ask questions rather than just read the cookbooks.

The assessment data indicate a teaching deficit, learning readiness, and the motivation to adhere to a treatment plan within a confined time frame. You and the client determine that you will schedule individualized teaching sessions with her for her next four weekly visits.

Behavioral Objectives

1. Explains food selection and food preparation techniques to maintain a low-sodium diet.

Learning Content

Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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Evaluation Methods

2. Monitors blood pressure regularly.

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Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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3. Uses Sular as prescribed, monitoring for side effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.

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Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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4. Uses appropriate food choices and preparations for maintenance of a low-sodium diet.

Learning Content

Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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5. Organizes activities, including maintenance of her exercise program.

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Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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6. Reapplies for health insurance coverage.

Learning Content

Teaching Strategies and Time Frame

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Evaluation Methods