What is the nursing intervention for a patient with a blood pressure reading of 170/100?

The appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a blood pressure reading of 170/100 is to assess further for potential hypertension management. This assessment allows the nurse to gather more information about the patient's overall health, the context of the elevated blood pressure, and any symptoms the patient may be experiencing. It is crucial to determine whether this reading is a new occurrence, the patient has a history of hypertension, or if there are additional factors contributing to the elevated blood pressure, such as stress, anxiety, or other health issues.

A thorough assessment can include taking the patient's vital signs multiple times, reviewing their medical history, and considering any medications or lifestyle factors that could be influencing the blood pressure. Understanding these details is essential in developing an effective plan for managing the patient's hypertension, which may involve lifestyle modifications, medication adjustment, or additional interventions.

Other options, while they may have some relevance, do not address the immediate need for comprehensive assessment and understanding of the patient's condition. For instance, administering antihypertensive medication without full assessment might overlook underlying causes or lead to inappropriate treatment. Similarly, taking a blood sample for testing may not be necessary unless specific conditions warrant it, and encouraging the patient to rest in bed does not directly engage with the management of their hypertension without