Patient was instructed on hypertension. It is possible to lower blood pressure by making healthy changes in the lifestyle. There are 6 lifestyle changes that can help to prevent this disease such as loosing extra weight, eating less salt, exercising, limiting alcohol drinks at 2 daily, getting potassium every day, following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
Instructed on some potential complications of hypertension, such as: hypertensive crisis (sharp rise in blood pressure to greater than 200/120, severe headache, vomiting), among others.
Instructed on some measures aimed to managing/controlling hypertension, such as: have blood pressure monitored regularly and take corresponding medications exactly as directed by MD.
Instructed on some measures aimed to managing/controlling hypertension, such as: stop cigarette smoking (smoking constricts arteries and increases blood pressure), among others.
Taught that the systolic reading (the top number) represents the pressure exerted on the blood vessel wall when the heart is contracting.
Taught that blood pressure readings for people age 50 or older should not exceed 160/90.
Taught that blood pressure readings for people age 18-49 should not exceed 140/90.
Taught that the diastolic reading (the bottom number) represents the pressure on the blood vessel wall while the heart is at rest.
Instructed patient you can do many things to help control your blood pressure at home, including: Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water, exercise regularly at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat and aim for less than 1,500 mg per day. Reduce stress by trying to avoid things that cause you stress.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on hypertensive urgency which is a situation where the blood pressure is severely elevated and that experiencing hypertensive urgency may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms: severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety, chest or back pain, numbness or severe weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. Patient and caregiver were advised to seek immediately medical assistance and/or call 9-1-1 if any of these signs or symptoms appear. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding. Family is independent with hypertension process.