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Diagnosis: Asymptoms Of Hypertension

Decent Essays

Julie Duffek

Diagnosis – Hypertension

My patient was admitted into hospital for chest pain and edema to upper and lower extremities. Patient has a past medical history of hypertension, has a pacemaker and stent.

Pathophysiology
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common worldwide condition that is often asymptomatic and often undetected. When the left ventricle contracts it forces blood up and into the aorta distributing oxygenated blood throughout the body. The arterial pressures are exerted for this to occur effectively. Pressures rise and fall in response to baroreceptors that make note of the filling and emptying chambers of the heart. Systolic pressure should measure 120 mm Hg and diastolic 80 mm Hg. The difference between …show more content…

There are supportive diagnostic tests that can be used to evaluate end organ damage hypertension may cause such as Lab tests (comprehensive panel lipids, hepatic levels, C-reactive protein), MRI, CT scan, or ophthalmoscopic examination. Physician will recommend possible lifestyle changes which includes a healthy diet with less salt, exercising regularly, cessation of smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Medication to lower your blood pressure will be prescribed.
Nursing Care Interventions:
Primary Nursing Interventions include the following: Assess patient’s baseline blood pressure (2 or 3 readings in a quiet and calm environment); Recognize which patient may exhibit “white coat syndrome” which is elevation of blood pressure in the presence of a health care professional. If this is the case the patient can record their blood pressure and bring in for evaluation; Determine risk factors that are present such as race/ethnicity, diet, exercise levels; Teach patient lifestyle modifications that will help reduce blood pressure effectively: low-sodium diet, increasing exercise, reducing weight; Teach patient to take their prescribed medications and awareness that stopping the medications will revert to increased pressure once again; Teach patient to monitor side effects of hypertensive medications: dizziness, syncope, or falls should be reported; Teach patients the importance of follow-up appointments with cardiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology; If patient is hospitalized monitor therapeutic drug effects; Maintain I & O and weight patient daily; Encourage smoking

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