[Verified Answer]: A middle-aged patient has a follow up…

A middle-aged patient has a follow up visit for a recorded blood pressure of 162/96 mm Hg taken 3 weeks ago. The patient has no significant past medical history and takes no medications, but smokes 1 1/2 packs of cigarettes per day, drinks alcohol regularly, and exercises infrequently. The patient is about 40 lbs. overweight and admits to a high-fat, high-calorie diet. At the office visit today, the patient’s blood pressure is 150/92 mm Hg. What is the least appropriate intervention for this patient at this time? Group of answer choices Begin lifestyle modifications. Begin antihypertensive drug therapy. Recheck blood pressure in 4 to 6 weeks. Encourage smoking cessation.