A 61-year-old client self-monitors blood pressure and brings a log to a follow-up appointment. How should the nurse interpret the data regarding medication dosing?

• A. The client will likely continue taking this medication at the current dose
• B. The client may require a smaller dose of the medication
• C. The client should discontinue the medication
• D. The readings indicate the medication is fully effective

Answer: (B)

Using home blood pressure readings helps tailor antihypertensive therapy to what’s actually happening outside the clinic. If the log shows pressures that are lower than the desired range, or the patient reports dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue, this points to the current dose being more than what’s needed. In older adults, medications can have stronger effects and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension and falls, so the safer next step is often to reduce the dose rather than keep it the same. That’s why interpreting the data as suggesting a smaller dose is appropriate. It’s not about stopping treatment or assuming everything is fully effective—the goal is to maintain blood pressure in the target range while minimizing adverse effects.