Patient/caregiver was educated upon findings to watch for and report with hypertension as follows:
- Confusion and dizziness: Progressive damage to blood vessels in the brain due to unresolved elevated blood pressure can weaken the blood vessels and result in aneurysm development. Aneurysms in the brain carry the potential to rupture, compromise blood supply to the brain, and cause stroke. Report to your physician regarding any signs and symptoms of stroke, such as, worsening episodes of confusion and dizziness, acute compromise with memory, and slowing of thought process. Any acute compromise with ability to speak, ambulation, ADL performance must be reported.
- Compromised renal function: Progressive damage to blood vessels in the kidney, secondary to poorly controlled hypertension, can result in narrowing of renal blood vessels and compromised blood supply to the renal tissue. This can affect the renal functions and lead to diminished urine output and increased fluid and waste retention. This risk is particularly very high in hypertensive individuals with history of coexisting renal function compromise. Diminished urine output with increased fluid retention can result in acute weight gain. Observe compliance with log maintenance of everyday weight recording, to report any acute weight gain. Any acute increase of weight, Increased retention of wastes can result in increased confusion and disorientation, which must be reported to the physician.
- Increased weakness and fatigue: Progressive damage to blood vessels in the peripheries/extremities, secondary to unresolved hypertension can result in weakening and narrowing of blood vessels, thus compromising blood supply to the muscle tissue. This can result in symptoms of cramping, weakness, and worsening muscle pain. Report to your physician regarding any persistently growing fatigue and exhaustion.
