What intervention is recommended when a patient exhibits elevated blood pressure due to multiple non-prescription substances?

When a patient presents with elevated blood pressure related to the use of multiple non-prescription substances, educating the patient to reduce caffeine and alcohol intake is a highly appropriate intervention. Both caffeine and alcohol can significantly raise blood pressure and contribute to hypertension.

By addressing lifestyle factors, such as excessive caffeine consumption from coffee, energy drinks, or sodas, and high alcohol intake, the patient can potentially lower their blood pressure without relying on medications. Education plays a crucial role in enabling patients to understand how these substances affect their health and blood pressure, leading to better-informed choices and healthier habits.

In this context, the other options do not address the underlying behavioral aspects influencing the patient's elevated blood pressure. Starting antihypertensive therapy immediately might not be warranted until lifestyle factors are managed and assessed. Monitoring blood pressure for 6 months may not be the most proactive approach, especially since immediate lifestyle modifications could show results in a shorter time frame. Increasing physical activity could be beneficial but would be less effective without addressing the significant dietary factors like caffeine and alcohol consumption. Therefore, educating the patient about these substances directly targets the causes of their elevated blood pressure, making it the most effective intervention.