Week 5 Hypertension,Hypotension& Orthosatic Hypotension

Question 1

Hypertension Risk Factors

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Hypertension Classifications

Answer 2

Grade 1: Systolic: 140-159 Diastolic 90-99
Grade 2: Systolic: 160-179 Diastolic 100-109
Grade 3: Systolic: more than 180 Diastolic >110

Question 3

Hypertension symptoms

Answer 3

• Usually asymptomatic
• Vague symptoms
  headaches, dizziness
• can lead to myocardial infarction, stroke,

Question 4

Hypertension Nursing intervention

Answer 4

• Accurately measure BP
• Monitor, document and Report
• Support patient with changing high risk lifestyle factors- smoking, obesity
• Manage pain, anxiety

Question 5

Hypotension

Answer 5

Blood pressure below normal range
systolic reading of 90mmH or under

Question 6

Hypotension Symptoms

Answer 6

• Dizziness
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Pallor
• Blurred or distorted vision

Question 7

Hypotension associated

Answer 7

• Haemorrhage (loss of blood)
• Dehydration
• Heart disease arrhythmias
• Severe burns (loss of fluids)

Question 8

Hypotension Medication

Answer 8

• Analgesics (morphine)
• Antihypertensive agents
• Psychotropic (antidepressant, sedative, tranquillizer)

Question 9

Hypotension Nursing Intervenions

Answer 9

• Sit-Stand Step
• Re-positioning the patient
• Hydration
• Monitor, document and report
  -Measure for orthostatic hypotension

Question 10

CausesHypotension

Answer 10

• Dehydration as reduces blood volume
• Blood loss from trauma such as road accident
• Emotional stress
• Heart disease can inhibit the pumping action of the heart

Question 11

Orthostatic Hypotension

Answer 11

1 A drop in systolic BP of 20mmHg or more (with or without
symptoms)
2. A drop to below 90mmHg on standing, even if the drop is less
than 20mmHg
3. A drop in diastolic BP of 10mmHg with symptoms

Question 12

Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

Answer 12

• Dizziness
  – Vagueness
  – Visual disturbances
  – Palpitations
  -Light headedness
• Pallor
• Feelings of weakness

Question 13

Causes of orthostatic hypotension

Answer 13

• Taking certain medications for blood pressure, heart, mood and Parkinson’s disease.
• Dehydration due to not drinking enough fluids, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Prolonged bed rest.
• Certain conditions e.g. diabetes, heart problems, Parkinson’s disease and anaemia.
• Excessive amounts of alcohol.

Question 14

How to measure orthostatic hypotension

Answer 14

1. Ask patient to lie down at least 5 minutes
2. Measure blood pressure
3. Ask patient to stand up and measure bp after standing in the first minute
4. Measure the blood pressure again after the patient has been standing for 3 minutes

Question 15

Nursing actions orthostatic hypotension

Answer 15

• Get out of bed slowly
  – First sit up, then sit on the side of the bed, then stand up.
  – Take your time when changing position, such as when getting up from a chair.
  – Have something steady to hold onto when you stand up.
  – Take it steady when walking or get support if you feel dizzy.
  – Exercise gently before getting up (move your feet up and down and clench and unclench your hands) or after standing (march in place).
  – Avoid standing still over a long time.
  – Avoid taking very hot baths or showers.
  – Try sleeping with extra pillows to raise your head.