What is one reason the nurse assesses a client’s blood pressure regularly while they are on antihypertensive drugs?

Monitoring a client's blood pressure regularly while they are on antihypertensive drugs is crucial for several reasons, with a key focus being to identify significant changes in health. Antihypertensive medications are prescribed to manage high blood pressure, and their effectiveness can vary among individuals. Regular assessment allows healthcare providers to track the client's response to medication, ensuring that blood pressure levels remain within the target range. If the blood pressure fluctuates significantly, it may indicate that the treatment needs to be adjusted, the dosage modified, or that other underlying health issues may need to be addressed.

This ongoing monitoring helps prevent potential complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such as heart attack or stroke, which can arise if blood pressure is not adequately managed. Continuous assessment thus plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and the efficacy of the treatment plan in the long term.