Which are non-pharmacological interventions for managing hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

The correct answer highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing hypertension, especially for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial as they can help lower blood pressure and improve overall health outcomes without the need for medication, which might introduce additional complexities in CKD patients.

Regular exercise is effective in reducing blood pressure by improving cardiovascular health and promoting overall weight management. It boosts the efficacy of the heart and improves circulation, which can mitigate some complications associated with CKD.

Smoking cessation is another vital strategy. Smoking contributes to vascular damage and can worsen overall kidney function, thereby increasing the risk of developing hypertension. Quitting smoking improves blood flow, reduces heart rate, and significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which is particularly important for patients with CKD.

The other choices suggest interventions that are either pharmacological or potentially harmful. For instance, medications would typically involve pharmacological approaches rather than lifestyle modifications. Similarly, increased sodium intake and increased caffeine consumption would exacerbate hypertension rather than control it. Only weight management, while beneficial, does not encompass the broader scope of interventions necessary for effective hypertension management in CKD patients. Thus, the combination of regular exercise and smoking cessation stands out as a comprehensive approach to non-pharmacological management