Why should a client with hypertension avoid nicotine-containing products?

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Multiple Choice

Why should a client with hypertension avoid nicotine-containing products?

Explanation:
Nicotine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the release of catecholamines that raise heart rate and constrict blood vessels. This combination increases blood pressure and the heart’s workload. For someone with hypertension, avoiding nicotine helps prevent sudden BP spikes and reduces ongoing cardiovascular stress, which can improve overall blood pressure control and reduce risk. The other statements don’t fit because nicotine does act on heart rate (it increases it), it does not lower blood pressure, and it affects more than just respiratory rate—the cardiovascular system is directly impacted.

Nicotine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the release of catecholamines that raise heart rate and constrict blood vessels. This combination increases blood pressure and the heart’s workload. For someone with hypertension, avoiding nicotine helps prevent sudden BP spikes and reduces ongoing cardiovascular stress, which can improve overall blood pressure control and reduce risk. The other statements don’t fit because nicotine does act on heart rate (it increases it), it does not lower blood pressure, and it affects more than just respiratory rate—the cardiovascular system is directly impacted.

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