WEEK 5 - BLOOD PRESSURE - HYPOTENSION AND HYPERTENSION

Question 1

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION

Answer 1

• BP that is higher than the normal parameters
• Systolic reading of over 140 mmHg

Question 2

HYPERTENSION RISK FACTORS

Answer 2

▪ Cigarette smoking
▪ Obesity
▪ Heavy alcohol consumption
▪ Lack of physical exercise
▪ High blood cholesterol levels

Question 3

HYPERTENSION - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 3

▪ Usually asymptomatic (the ‘silent killer’)
▪ Vague symptoms
▪ headache (back of head & neck)
▪ visual disturbances
▪ shortness of breath

Question 4

HYPERTENSION - NURSING INTERVENTIONS

Answer 4

▪ Accurately measure BP
▪ Monitor, document & report
▪ Support patient with changing high risk lifestyle factors – smoking, obesity, poor diet, stress …
▪ Manage pain, anxiety, medication education

Question 5

WHAT IS HYPOTENSION

Answer 5

• BP that is below normal
• Can be dependant on the person
• Systolic reading of 90mmHg or under

Question 6

HYPOTENSION - RISK FACTORS

Answer 6

▪ Haemorrhage
▪ Dehydration
▪ Severe burns
▪ Heart disease – Arrhythmias – Muscle disease
▪ Shock

Question 7

HYPOTENSION - SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Answer 7

▪ Dizziness
▪ Lightheaded
▪ Pallor
▪ Cold, clammy skin
▪ Syncope (fainting)

Question 8

HYPOTENSION - NURSING INTERVENTIONS

Answer 8

▪ Sit –Stand –Step (Slowly, only progress if no symptoms experienced)
▪ Re-positioning the patient
▪ Hydration
▪ Measure for orthostatic hypotension – (lying & standing BP) using correct techniques
▪ Monitor, document & report and review medications