A patient is attempting to lower blood pressure levels with dietary intervention. Besides monitoring blood pressure, what else should the RD monitor?

Monitoring daily food intake and body weight is essential when helping a patient lower blood pressure through dietary interventions for several reasons. Tracking food intake allows the registered dietitian to assess the dietary patterns of the patient, ensuring that they adhere to recommended guidelines, such as those outlined in the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which promotes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing sodium intake.

In addition, monitoring body weight is crucial because fluctuations in weight can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Excess weight can increase the risk of hypertension, and weight loss has been shown to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure. By keeping track of both food intake and body weight, the RD can provide tailored recommendations, adjust dietary plans as needed, and motivate the patient to achieve their health goals.

While other factors like exercise, stress levels, blood glucose, and cholesterol can also influence overall health, they are not as directly related to the immediate dietary interventions aimed at lowering blood pressure as the daily monitoring of food intake and body weight. Hence, focusing on these aspects provides the most relevant insights for managing and improving the patient's blood pressure through diet.