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Feb 20, 2024

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Beata Warchol Hypertension is one of the most common lifestyle diseases in the world. The diagnosis of hypertension should start with an interview. Questions should include family history because hypertension may be genetic, the patient’s medical history, and current medications that the patient takes. Then, the next questions should ask about the patient’s diet and exercise, usual blood pressure, when the pressure readings are taken, and what symptoms the patient experience when she has increased blood pressure (Media, 2015). Before prescribing beta-blockers, the healthcare team needs to know about any other conditions that the patient has. Beta blockers may cause bronchospasm; thus it is essential to ask the patient about asthma and lung issues. Moreover, beta blockers can hide symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as rapid heartbeat or tremors. Patients with diabetes need to check their glucose levels regularly when they are on beta blockers. Finally, if the patient has already increased cholesterol, beta blockers can further increase unhealthy LDL cholesterol and decrease the healthy HDL cholesterol ( Beta-Blockers , 2019). Hypertension can often be controlled with lifestyle changes. Controlling high blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle may prevent or reduce the need for medication. The healthcare team should discuss with the patient the importance of losing weight because obesity is directly proportional to hypertension. At least 30 minutes of activity every day is recommended, and it

has the potential to lower blood pressure. Even a small reduction of sodium in the diet can improve the heart and lower blood pressure (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Beta-blockers cannot be stopped abruptly because the excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system could cause a heart attack. Thus, teaching the patient to always take the medication at the same time and every day is essential for their health and well-being. Moreover, the patient should be taught how to check their blood pressure and heart rate correctly, and taking their vital signs before taking the medication should also be mentioned. If the patient is diabetic, the patient should be advised to check their glucose levels regularly because beta- blockers can hide the symptoms of hypoglycemia (Garbus et al., 1979). According to the Joint National Committee, hypertension can be classified into five categories: normal, prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, stage 2 hypertension, and hypertensive crisis. Prehypertension should be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication is not recommended. On the other hand, the patient who was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension should be prescribed at least two antihypertensive medications. In a hypertensive crisis when the pressure is over 180/120, the patient is advised to call the doctor immediately ( New Blood Pressure Guidelines: More Americans Have Hypertension , n.d). SBAR is a standardized communication tool that stands for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation. It was designed to improve communication between members of the healthcare team. For the situation, the nurse should state her name, a unit number, and

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