HYPERTENSION

 

High blood pressure, increased systemic pressure, sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure above the normal upper limit of 140/90 mm Hg or 20 points above that considered for one's age.

 

 

NURSING INTERVENTIONS:

 

¨      Give psychological support to the patient and his/her family to get confidence and cooperation for better further recovering.

¨      Monitor vital signs: Blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respirations as ordered.

¨      Assess and record daily weight.

¨      Assess for peripheral edema (lower extremities, sacral area, periorbital)

¨      Administer medications prescribed by the doctor on time: Antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, sedatives, and others as ordered.

¨      Monitor for side effects of medications.

¨      Maintain physical and emotional rest.

¨      Maintain fluid and sodium restrictions to reduce fluid retention which contributes to hypertension.

¨      Teach relaxation techniques to combat stress which can influence psychological responses that aggraviate hypertension.

¨      Assist in establishing medication routine.

¨      Encourage potasium risk factors (fruit juices, bananas) as appropriate ,most diuretics are potasium waisting.

¨      Discourage intake of coffee, tea, colas, and chocolates that are high in coffeine.

¨      Encourage role of physical exercises in weight reduction.

¨      Instruct patient/family to check own blood pressure to provide patient with sense of control and ability to seek prompt medical attention.

¨      Inform patient/family about nature of diseases and  its effects on target organs (renal damage, visual impairment, heart failure, strokes)

¨      Inform patient/family about risk factors: Obesity, diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol, smoking, stress, race (more common in blacks), family history.

¨      Give sanitary education to the patient and his/her family in relation with his/her disease to avoid further complications.