HYPERTENTION Flashcards
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as sustained elevations in systolic or diastolic blood pressure that exceed prehypertension levels.
What is the formula for blood pressure (BP)?
BP = CO (cardiac output) × PR (peripheral resistance)
What factors affect blood pressure?
Blood pressure is affected by age, body size, diet, activity, emotions, pain, position, gender, time of day, and disease states.
What is the normal blood pressure range for adults?
Normal BP for adults ranges from 100/60 to 119/79 mm Hg.
What are the two measurements of blood pressure?
The two measurements are systolic BP (top number) and diastolic BP (bottom number).
What is prehypertension?
Prehypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
What are the classifications of hypertension?
Hypertension is classified into Stage 1 (systolic 140-159 or diastolic 90-99) and Stage 2 (systolic >160 or diastolic >100).
What is essential hypertension?
Essential hypertension is sustained elevated BP with no known cause, accounting for about 95% of cases.
What is secondary hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is elevated BP that results from or is secondary to some other disorder.
What is white-coat hypertension?
White-coat hypertension describes elevated BP that develops during evaluation by medical personnel due to anxiety.
What are some risk factors for essential hypertension?
Risk factors include obesity, inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and ineffective stress management.
What complications can arise from hypertension?
Complications include heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
What are common signs and symptoms of hypertension?
Clients may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, nervousness, nosebleeds, and blurred vision.
What diagnostic tests are used for hypertension?
Tests include electrocardiography, echocardiography, chest radiography, and blood tests for renal function.
What is the primary objective of hypertension therapy?
The primary objective is to lower BP and prevent major complications.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for hypertension?
Lifestyle modifications include weight reduction, decreased sodium intake, moderate exercise, and smoking cessation.
What is the recommended sodium intake for individuals with hypertension?
Consume no more than 2.4 g (2400 mg) of sodium per day.
What is the role of antihypertensive medications?
Antihypertensive medications help control BP by various mechanisms, including increasing urine elimination and dilating blood vessels.
What are Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers?
Medications such as prazosin (Minipress) that relax vascular smooth muscle by blocking alpha1 receptor sites for epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Side effects include hypotension, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and palpitations.
What are nursing considerations for Alpha-Adrenergic Blockers?
Administer the first dose just before bedtime to reduce potential for syncope. Monitor client for postural hypotension and caution them to change positions slowly.
What are Beta-Adrenergic Blockers?
Medications such as propranolol (Inderal) that block beta1- and beta2-adrenergic receptors and decrease renin levels.
Side effects include hypotension, bradycardia, bronchospasm, CHF, depression, erectile dysfunction, and hypoglycemia.
What are nursing considerations for Beta-Adrenergic Blockers?
Administer with meals, advise client not to discontinue medication abruptly, and monitor for fluid retention, rash, and difficulty breathing.
What are Alpha-Beta Blockers?
Medications such as labetalol (Normodyne) that block alpha-, beta-, and beta2-adrenergic receptors.
Side effects include dizziness, GI symptoms, dyspnea, cough, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
What are nursing considerations for Alpha-Beta Blockers?
Administer with meals and caution client to avoid discontinuing drug therapy abruptly.
