Nurse Teaching on Measures to Prevent Exacerbation of Hypertension

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on measures to prevent exacerbation of hypertension as below:

  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.