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Nurse Teachings on Hypertension

Reference: https://www.homehealthpatienteducation.com

Home Health Patient Education offers more than 7200 nurse teachings and OASIS assessment templates for Start of Care, Resumption of Care, Recertification, Discharge, Wound Care and 60 Day Summary. These nurse teachings and OASIS assessment tools are very useful for home health nurses to save time on skilled nursing documentation.

We are presenting here some sample nurse teachings on hypertension offered by Home Health Patient Education.

Nurse Teachings on Hypertension: Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Patient/caregiver was educated on signs and symptoms of hypertension as follows: People with mild to moderate hypertension can be asymptomatic for the most part and not present with any findings. So, hypertension is considered a silent killer. Individuals with extremely elevated blood pressures can present with signs and symptoms as follows:

  1. Vision problems: Progressive damage to blood vessels in the retina, due to unresolved elevated blood pressure, can result in retinal bleeding, compromised blood supply to the retinal tissue, and retinal damage, thus affecting the visual function. This can lead to diminishing vision and in severe cases, even result in complete vision loss and blindness.
  2. Chest pain:  Chronic unresolved elevated blood pressure involving the coronary arteries, supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, can result in damage and inflammation of coronary arteries. Damaged coronary arteries could lead to poor supply of oxygenated blood to heart muscle and result in chest pain and discomfort. In severe cases, compromised blood supply to heart muscle could lead to development of myocardial infarction or heart attack.
  3. Headache and confusion: Elevated pressure in the blood vessels of the brain can result in episodes of throbbing headache, confusion, and fatigue. Persistent elevation of pressure in these blood vessels can result in weakening of the blood vessel and development of aneurysm, with potential to rupture and causing stroke.
  4. Irregular heartbeat: Compromised blood supply to heart muscle can result in palpitations and irregular heartbeat.
  5. Dyspnea: Compromised blood supply to heart muscle can result in progressive deterioration of heart muscle function. Ineffective contractions of the heart can result in diminishing blood supply to vital organs in the body, such as, lungs and brain. Reduced oxygenated blood supply to lungs can result in poor exchange of gases, dyspnea, and exacerbation of SOB. In severe cases, progressively compromised heart muscle function can even result in heart failure, with associated symptoms of fluid retention and edema.
  6. Compromised renal function: Progressive damage to blood vessels in the kidney, due to chronic elevated blood pressure, can result in weakening and narrowing of these blood vessels. Individuals can present with blood in the urine and compromised blood supply to the renal tissue, thus affecting the renal functions. Reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and in severe cases, even renal failure.

Nurse Teachings on Hypertension: Measures to Prevent Exacerbation of Hypertension and Complications

Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding measures to prevent exacerbation of hypertension and complications as follows:

  1. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday blood pressure and heart rate readings. Report to your physician regarding any consistent systolic readings below 90 and above 160. Report consistent diastolic readings below 60 and above 90. Report any consistent heart rate readings below 55 and above 100. Observe compliance with all cardiac medications, as prescribed.
  2. Hypertensive individuals with history of coexisting elevated cholesterol and coronary artery disease must observe compliance with heart healthy diet, periodical evaluation of cholesterol levels, and cholesterol lowering drugs, as ordered.
  3. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and contribute to poor BP control. Hypertensive individuals with history of co-existing diabetes must observe compliance with dietary intake and calorie recommendations made. Observe compliance with close watch on blood sugars and medications intake, as ordered. Report to your physician regarding consistent blood sugar readings, out of parameters defined.
  4. Poorly controlled hypertension can result in progressive damage to renal blood vessels and compromise blood supply to the renal tissue. This can affect the renal functions and lead to diminished urine output and increased fluid and waste retention. Hypertensive individuals with history of renal disease must keep a close watch and report any progressively reducing urine volume output. Also, report any worsening episodes of confusion and altered levels of consciousness. Observe compliance with recommendations made for renal diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any.
  5. Poorly controlled hypertension can result in weakening and damage to blood vessels in the body, resulting in episodes of internal bleeding and blood loss. Keep a close watch on the color of urine and stool, to report passing of any blood. Keep a close watch and report regarding any new or worsening signs and symptoms of anemia, secondary to blood loss, such as, easy fatigue, increased SOB, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and pale skin.
  6. Poorly managed stress and anxiety are among the major risk factors for development of hypertension and associated complications. Observe compliance with intake of medications prescribed for anxiety management, if any. Adopt alternative strategies and behavior modifying techniques for better management of stress and anxiety.
  7. Alcohol consumption can lead to increase in cholesterol deposition, damage to blood vessels, and poor control of BP. Observe compliance with recommendations for limitations on alcohol consumption, if applicable.
  8. Chronic smoking can result in inflammation of the inner lining with narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels with poor control of BP. Observe compliance with recommendations for smoking cessation, if applicable.
  9. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are among the major risk factors for development of hypertension and associated complications. Hypertensive individuals with obesity and sedentary lifestyles must incorporate physical exercise, as recommended, into their daily routine, for better control of their BP numbers.
  10. Observe compliance with recommendations for heart healthy diet and fluid volume intake limitations, if any. Limit sodium intake to no more than 2 grams or 2000 mg per day. Make healthy food choices that are low in saturated and trans fats. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how mild it may be.

 

 

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