Hypertensive Emergencies
What is the goal of treatment for a patient experiencing a hypertensive emergency?
Gradually reduce blood pressure.
A patient on antihypertensive medication reports erectile dysfunction. What should the nurse do?
Notify the doctor to see if medication adjustments can be made.
A patient reports chest pain that feels like "someone is standing on my chest." What should the nurse do first?
Obtain vital signs.
A patient with Raynaud disease should avoid which triggers to prevent an attack?
Avoid stimuli that cause vasoconstriction (e.g., cold, stress).
Which side of the heart is affected in cor pulmonale?
Right side of the heart.
A hypertensive emergency refers to which of the following?
An episode of very high blood pressure.
Before administering atenolol, the nurse notes a heart rate of 55 bpm. What action should be taken?
Notify the healthcare provider.
What is the appropriate action for a patient with aortic stenosis who reports sudden chest pain?
Report the angina to the healthcare provider immediately.
What should you do first when a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has cool, reddish-purple feet?
Evaluate the distal pulses.
What finding in a patient with heart failure should be reported immediately?
Pink, frothy sputum (indicating pulmonary edema).
When a patient’s BP is 180/120 mm Hg but they are asymptomatic, what action should the nurse take?
Treat this as a hypertensive emergency and gradually reduce BP.
A patient taking clonidine (Catapres) for 3 months has a BP of 114/66 mm Hg. What does this indicate?
Treatment is effective.
A patient with a history of mitral valve replacement is instructed to take prophylactic antibiotics. Why?
To prevent infective endocarditis before a dental procedure.
A patient with chronic venous insufficiency is likely to have what skin appearance?
Leathery, brown skin.
A patient with HF is found to have Cheyne-Stokes respirations. What does this mean?
Alternating periods of deep and shallow breathing with apnea.
A patient has a BP reading of 188/96 mm Hg and no history of hypertension. What should be done first?
Confirm that the BP cuff is properly sized and technique is correct.
Which medication used for hypertension can cause a persistent cough as a side effect?
Captopril (Capoten), an ACE inhibitor.
A postoperative patient develops sudden dyspnea, restlessness, and chest pain. What complication is suspected?
Pulmonary embolism.
What intervention should be implemented for a patient with thrombophlebitis?
Apply compression stockings and elevate the feet above heart level.
A patient with lung crackles and an elevated BNP level is likely experiencing what condition?
Heart failure.
What should the nurse monitor for in a patient with severe hypertension and frequent headaches?
Signs of target organ damage (e.g., brain, heart, kidneys).
A patient is prescribed propranolol (Inderal). What should they be taught to monitor?
Check heart rate and blood pressure before taking the medication and get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
What symptom requires immediate attention in a patient with aortic regurgitation?
Sudden onset of flank pain.
A patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) reports tenderness in the calf. What should the nurse do?
Maintain the patient on bedrest and notify the healthcare provider.
A patient with HF reports being too scared to exercise. What is the best response by the nurse?
"Exercising safely and recognizing symptoms can prevent overexertion."