What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with stage 2 hypertension?

For a patient with stage 2 hypertension, educating about the risks of drug noncompliance is crucial. Noncompliance with prescribed antihypertensive medication can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage. A patient's understanding of their illness and the importance of adhering to treatment can improve medication compliance, ultimately aiding in managing and controlling their hypertension effectively.

In contrast, the other options would not contribute positively to managing the patient's condition. A high-fat diet could lead to increased cardiovascular risk factors, while excessive salt intake is known to elevate blood pressure. Additionally, while regular exercise is generally beneficial, emphasizing "vigorous" exercise may not be suitable for every patient, particularly those with stage 2 hypertension, as it requires consideration of individual fitness levels and health conditions. Focusing on compliance with medication is thus the most appropriate intervention in this context.