Reference no: EM133715774

Question

African Americans exhibit higher hypertension rates and corresponding morbidity and mortality compared to other racial groups. About 40% of African American adults have hypertension, a condition that contributes significantly to higher risks of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure within this population (American Heart Association [AHA], 2022). This demographic also experiences earlier onset and more severe hypertension-related complications (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Nurses must educate Mrs. Jackson about the importance of consistent medication adherence for managing hypertension. They should explain the risks of untreated hypertension, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, and emphasize that symptoms are not always present even when blood pressure is high. Additionally, nurses should discuss strategies to reduce medication costs, such as using generic drugs or accessing pharmaceutical assistance programs (National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2021). Understanding and addressing these barriers are critical to improving health outcomes. Potential barriers affecting Mrs. Jackson's health behavior include financial constraints, leading to inconsistent medication use. Misconceptions about symptomless conditions, mistrust in the healthcare system, and social or psychological factors may also obstruct her adherence to prescribed treatment (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities [NIMHD], 2021). Nurses can provide access to vaccines for immigrants,