An older adult client is started on hydrochlorothiazide diuretic for peripheral edema of the legs. What preventive measure should the health care practitioner instruct their client to take? a. Take regularly in the morning at the same time. b. Eat a piece of fruit every day. c. Weigh yourself once a week. d. Rise slowly out of a sitting position.

The correct answer is d. Rise slowly out of a sitting position.<br /><br />Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication commonly used to treat conditions such as peripheral edema of the legs. When taking diuretics, it is important for patients to be aware of potential side effects and take preventive measures to minimize them.<br /><br />One common side effect of diuretics is orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, such as standing up from sitting or lying down. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.<br /><br />To prevent orthostatic hypotension, patients are advised to rise slowly out of a sitting position. This allows the body to adjust to the change in position and helps maintain blood pressure stability. Patients should also be instructed to stand up slowly and wait a few seconds before moving further.<br /><br />Option a, taking the medication regularly in the morning at the same time, is also important for maintaining consistent medication levels and preventing potential side effects. However, it is not the primary preventive measure for orthostatic hypotension.<br /><br />Option b, eating a piece of fruit every day, is a general healthy recommendation but not specifically related to the use of hydrochlorothiazide or preventing orthostatic hypotension.<br /><br />Option c, weighing oneself once a week, is a good practice for monitoring fluid retention and the effectiveness of the medication. However, it does not directly address the issue of orthostatic hypotension.<br /><br />In summary, the health care practitioner should instruct the client to rise slowly out of a sitting position to prevent orthostatic hypotension when taking hydrochlorothiazide for peripheral edema of the legs.