adult 1_ HTN, HTN crisis - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is hypertension (HTN)?
An increase in cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, or both, leading to high blood pressure.
What is primary hypertension?
Elevated blood pressure without an identifiable cause (e.g., lifestyle factors, obesity).
What is secondary hypertension?
Elevated blood pressure due to a specific cause (e.g., anxiety, preeclampsia, tumors, stroke).
What are common risk factors for hypertension?
Obesity, age (stiffened vessels), ethnicity, gender, stress, diet, genetics, comorbidities, smoking, alcohol use.
Why is hypertension called the “silent killer”?
Many people have no symptoms until severe damage has occurred.
What are symptoms of severe hypertension?
Angina, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, dyspnea.
What are key nursing interventions for HTN?
Consistent BP monitoring to rule out white coat syndrome, educating on a low-fat/sodium diet (DASH diet), promoting low-intensity aerobic exercise, proper BP monitoring, smoking/alcohol cessation, proper medication administration, and warning about rebound HTN if stopping meds suddenly.
What are complications of untreated hypertension?
Stroke (weakened brain vessels). Hemorrhagic stroke (vessel bursts). Ischemic stroke (low oxygen or clot). Peripheral artery disease (decreased blood flow to extremities). Vision loss (damage to ocular vessels). Heart failure (heart can’t pump enough blood). Kidney disease (damaged renal vessels and nephrons).
What diagnostic tests are used for HTN?
12-lead EKG (dysrhythmias, ischemia), CBC, CMP, BNP, BUN/Creatinine, lipid panel, ALT/AST, urinalysis, BP monitoring (>130/80 mmHg).
What are common medications for HTN?
Diuretics – Reduce fluid volume (watch for dehydration, electrolyte imbalances). Beta blockers – Lower heart rate & BP (monitor for bradycardia, fatigue). ACE inhibitors – Prevent vasoconstriction (risk of dry cough, angioedema). ARBs – Similar to ACE inhibitors but without the cough (monitor BP, kidney function). Calcium channel blockers – Relax blood vessels (watch for edema, dizziness). Vasodilators – Directly lower BP (risk of hypotension, reflex tachycardia).
What is a hypertensive crisis?
A severe increase in blood pressure (systolic >180 mmHg or diastolic >120 mmHg) due to medication nonadherence, under-medication, or drug use.
What are common causes of a hypertensive crisis?
Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications, improper medication dosing, stimulant drug use (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines).
What are key symptoms of a hypertensive crisis?
Sudden BP increase, severe headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, confusion/lethargy, coma, nosebleeds, blurred vision, angina, dyspnea, hypoactive bowel sounds, edema, bounding pulses.
What are important nursing interventions for hypertensive crisis?
Continuous BP and MAP monitoring (arterial line), assessing cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurologic systems, administering oxygen as ordered, IV insertion for medication administration, educating on medication adherence, and obtaining baseline labs to monitor trends.
What diagnostic tests are used for hypertensive crisis?
Continuous arterial BP monitoring, pulse oximetry, EKG monitoring to assess for cardiac involvement.
How is medication dosing managed during a hypertensive crisis?
Medications are titrated based on MAP and systolic blood pressure to lower BP gradually and prevent organ damage.
What medications are commonly used in hypertensive crises?
Vasodilators – Sodium nitroprusside, labetalol, nicardipine.
Why is sodium nitroprusside used?
It is a potent vasodilator that rapidly reduces BP, but it requires careful titration to prevent hypotension.
Why is labetalol used?
It is a beta-blocker that reduces BP by decreasing heart rate and systemic resistance.
Why is nicardipine used?
It is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and lowers BP without significantly affecting heart rate.
