A male patient that takes nifedipine to treat hypertension continues to have blood pressure readings over 140/90 mm Hg. What action should the nurse take first?

When a patient continues to have elevated blood pressure readings despite being on antihypertensive medication like nifedipine, the initial step for the nurse is to assess the patient's adherence to therapy. Non-adherence can be a significant reason for inadequate blood pressure control. Patients might forget doses, may not fully understand how to take the medication, experience side effects, or may not take the medication as prescribed.

By exploring adherence first, the nurse can identify any barriers the patient may be facing. This assessment could involve asking questions about the patient’s routine, understanding their knowledge about the medication, and discussing any challenges they encounter related to the regimen. Once adherence is assessed and understood, appropriate actions can be taken, whether that means reinforcing education about the medication, addressing side effects, or considering adjustments to the treatment plan.