Postoperative HTN in Elders

Question 1

Name 2 things to check for before assuming that postoperative HTN is due to a CV cause.

Answer 1

1. Uncontrolled pain.

2. Urinary retention

Question 2

What topical agent may be considered for treating postoperative hypertension when the patient is NPO?

Answer 2

topical nitroglycerin

Question 3

Are ACE-I available in parenteral (IV) formulations?

Answer 3

Yes.

Question 4

Postoperative cardiac rhythm disturbances are of concern b/c they can cause __1____ischemia and/or —2– failure.

Answer 4

1. myocardial ischemia

2. Heart failure

Question 5

Are supraventricular tachycardias common or rare in older adults?

Answer 5

common

Question 6

Name 3 things to check for in postoperative HTN, after assessing for uncontrolled pain and urinary retention.

1. _____status
2. ______medications not given before surgery
3. review ______administration status

Answer 6

1. Volume status
2. Anti-hypertensive medications
3. review fluid administration status