HTN
This blood pressure reading is considered normal in adults.
What is less than or equal to 120/80 mmHg?
This is the first nursing action when a patient has a significantly elevated blood pressure reading.
What is rechecking the blood pressure to confirm accuracy
These medications are prescribed to lower blood pressure
antihypertensives
Patients should monitor this regularly at home to track treatment effectiveness.
What is blood pressure?
A patient has a BP of 168/98 mmHg, but reports no symptoms. The nurse understands this is why hypertension often remains undiagnosed.
What is because hypertension is often asymptomatic ("silent killer")?
This condition is often called the "silent killer" because it may have no symptoms
What is hypertension?
A nurse should assess for headache, vision changes, and dizziness because they may indicate this.
What is uncontrolled hypertension
Patients taking antihypertensives should avoid abruptly stopping them because it may cause this.
What is rebound hypertension
This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
What is the DASH diet
A BP reading of 182/112 mmHg is obtained. This nursing action should occur before notifying the provider.
What is reassessing blood pressure manually and confirming proper technique
A nurse should measure blood pressure in this position to obtain an accurate reading.
What is sitting with the arm supported at heart level?
The nurse should ask about this common lifestyle factor that can increase blood pressure
What is smoking?
This medication class ends in "-pril" and may cause a dry cough
What are ACE inhibitors?
Adults should aim for at least this amount of moderate exercise most days of the week.
What is 150 minutes per week
A patient receiving hydrochlorothiazide complains of weakness and muscle cramps. The nurse should suspect this electrolyte imbalance
What is hypokalemia?
Reducing this mineral in the diet can help lower blood pressure
What is sodium (salt)?
This organ is commonly damaged by long-term uncontrolled hypertension and may show protein in the urine.
What are the kidneys?
This medication class helps remove excess fluid from the body.
What are diuretics?
Limiting this beverage can help lower blood pressure
What is alcohol
A patient with chronic hypertension presents with confusion, headache, and blurred vision. The nurse suspects acute damage to this body system
what is the neurological/central nervous system
This lifestyle change is recommended for overweight patients with hypertension.
What is weight loss?
This assessment finding may indicate orthostatic hypotension from antihypertensive medications.
What is dizziness when standing up?
Before administering antihypertensive medication, the nurse should assess this vital sign.
What is blood pressure
Patients should continue taking prescribed medications even when they feel this
What is well or symptom-free
A patient with hypertension suddenly develops severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, and a blood pressure of 220/120 mmHg.
what is a hypertensive crisis (hypertensive emergency)