SN reviewed HTN disease process with the patient and possible signs and symptoms of HTN. Inform patient that HTN often times does not have any signs or symptoms and this is why it is referred to as the silent killer. Patient and caregiver instructed on the importance of medication compliance and checking/logging vital signs 1-2 times a day, verbalized understanding
Instructed patient that the most commonly reported side effects of Amlodipine (which is used to treat HTN) include: headache, edema, rash, fatigue, and dizziness. Check with MD or HH nurse if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome: acid or sour stomach, belching, heartburn, indigestion, lack or loss of strength, muscle cramps, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, and stomach discomfort, upset, or pain.
Skilled nurse educated patient and caregiver on HTN disease process. HTN also known as high blood pressure is a chronic condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. It is important to seek medical attention for uncontrolled HTN and develop a plan of care with your PCP. It is recommended to check your blood pressure and pulse daily before taking blood pressure medications and logging in a journal. If your blood pressure is elevated wait 1-2 hours and recheck. Contact your doctor or home health agency if problems with blood pressure continue . Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding.
Patient was instructed on HTN and how it affects the heart and it's function. Over time HTN if uncontrolled can damage the vessels of the heart, leaving it unable to pump blood efficiently. This causes what is known as heart failure. Symptoms you may experience and should report to your MD are swelling in your feet or hands, crackles in your chest when breathing, increased shortness of breath.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on factors that increase risk of HTN, such as: age, race, family history, stress, high sodium intake, high cholesterol intake, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. SN instructed patient / caregiver on measures to control/manage HTN, such as: exercise as tolerated, achieve/maintain healthy/ideal weight, decrease sodium intake to decrease fluid retention and the workload of the heart. SN Instructed importance of eating foods rich in calcium, protein and fiber.
SN instructed patient on s/s of htn crisis, while seeking immediate medical attention for chest pain.
Instructed patient about how a stroke can result from the damage that ongoing high blood pressure causes in the body vessels. If the affected vessel stops supplying blood to the brain, as a result a stroke occurs.
Instructed patient on how when blood presses against a vessel wall with too much force, muscles in the wall lose their stretch. This causes the wall to thicken, which narrows the vessel passage and reduces blood flow.
Instructed patient about the damage that high blood pressure can cause to the vessels walls. Fat and cholesterol collect in the damage spots forming a plaque. Blood cells stick to the plaque, forming a mass called a clot. A clot can block blood flow in the vessel.
Instructed patient on how sometimes blood flows with enough force to weaken a vessel wall. If the vessel is small or damaged, the wall can break. When this happens blood leaks into nearby tissue and kills cells. Other cells may die because blood cannot reach them.
