Which patient assessment should be prioritized for a 59-year-old with a history of hypertension?

In prioritizing patient assessments for a 59-year-old with a history of hypertension, blood pressure assessment is crucial. This evaluation directly relates to managing hypertension, which is the primary health concern for this patient.

Monitoring blood pressure allows for immediate understanding of the patient's current state and provides critical information on the effectiveness of any treatments or lifestyle modifications previously implemented. Regular blood pressure checks help in assessing the risk of cardiovascular complications, evaluating the need for medication adjustments, and guiding further discussions on patient education regarding lifestyle changes.

While dietary habits, impaired mobility, and medication adherence are all important assessments in the overall management of a patient with hypertension, they can be considered secondary to the immediate need to evaluate and manage blood pressure levels. Addressing hypertension effectively starts with collecting accurate blood pressure measurements to dictate the next steps in the patient’s care plan.