Hypertension Flashcards
What has to occur to be diagnosed with hypertension?
2 or more readings where the BP is in the “hypertensive” range.
True or False: Statins are given to people with liver disease.
False.
Risk factors for Atherosclerosis
Low HDL High LDL Increased Trigs Diabetes Obesity and others that are self explanatory
How do you palpate the carotid arteries during your assessment? (This was a test question)
ONE AT A TIME!! NEVER PALPATE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME.
If a patient is on Statins and they report muscle cramping or have elevated liver enzymes, what do you do?
Discontinue the statins.
What class of drugs are commonly used for atherosclerosis?
Statins
True or False: Smoking contributes to atherosclerosis.
True. Patients should not be smoking.
How is hypertension defined?
140/90 if no diabetes. If they have diabetes, 130/90.
How do you calculate Cardiac Output?
Stroke Volume x Heart Rate
Which is the most common type of hypertension- primary or secondary?
Primary.
Secondary Hypertension is caused by what?
Specific diseases and drugs
What is a big issue for older adults when it comes to hypertension?
Systolic at 140 or above and Diastolic below 90. This is called Isolated Systolic Hypertension.
A patient has morning headaches, blurred vision and dyspnea might have:
Malignant Hypertension. This is usually 200/150 or more. A diastolic of 130 can be classified as malignant hypertension if the patient has other conditions (like diabetes).
What is the difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
Primary involves things you can change to fix it. (smoking, obesity, etc) Secondary is caused by specific diseases or drugs.
What is THE most common cause of secondary hypertension?
Renal Disease
What labs can diagnose kidney disease?
BUN. Also, other abnormalities found in the urine such as protein, rbc’s or pus. Serum creatinine can also indicate kidney disease.
Thiazides are contraindicated in…
people with diabetes.
What do you want to watch out for in patients taking Verapamil?
Pulse and BP. Discontinue if pulse is less than 60 or BP is less than 100 (systolic).
If someone is taking Lisinopril when do you want to discontinue the medication?
If they have a nagging cough.
What is the biggest concern for patients taking ACE inhibitors (any drug that ends in “pril”)?
Orthostatic Hypotension
What is Vepramil used to treat?
V-Fib and A-Tach. Orthostatic hypotension is a risk here. Teach patients to report dyspnea, orthopnea, jvd or swelling of the extremeties.
Do you use atropine in heart block patients?
No.
What does Cardizem treat?
PE’s and A-fibs.
When giving a patient digoxin what pulse do you assess?
Apical 1 minute before each dose. Hold if 60 or less.
