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During change-of-shift report, the nurse obtains this information about a patient who is hypertensive and received the first dose of propranolol during the previous shift. Which of the following information indicates that the patient needs immediate intervention?
- A. The patient's most recent BP reading is 156/94 mm Hg.
- B. The patient's pulse has dropped from 64 to 58 beats/minute.
- C. The patient has developed wheezes throughout the lung fields.
- D. The patient complains that the fingers and toes feel quite cold.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most urgent concern for this patient is the wheezes, which indicate that bronchospasm (a common adverse effect of the noncardioselective β-adrenergic blockers) is occurring. The nurse should immediately obtain an oxygen saturation measurement, apply supplemental oxygen, and notify the health care provider. The mild decrease in heart rate and complaint of cold fingers and toes do not require any change in therapy. The BP reading may indicate that a change in medication type or dose may be indicated; however, this is not as urgently needed as addressing the bronchospasm.
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The nurse is assessing a patient who is being investigated for possible white coat hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement first?
- A. Schedule the patient for frequent BP checks in the clinic.
- B. Instruct the patient about the need to decrease stress levels.
- C. Tell the patient how to self-monitor and record BPs at home.
- D. Teach the patient about ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Having the patient self-monitor BPs at home will provide a reliable indication about whether the patient has hypertension. Frequent BP checks in the clinic are likely to be high in a patient with white coat hypertension. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may be used if the data from self-monitoring is unclear. Although elevated stress levels may contribute to hypertension, instructing the patient about this is unlikely to reduce BP.
The nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension and has a prescription for propranolol. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse report to the health care provider before administering this medication?
- A. Asthma
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Alcohol dependency
- D. Myocardial infarction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nonselective β-adrenergic blockers can cause bronchospasm, putting the patient with a history of asthma at high risk. β-adrenergic blockers will have no effect on the patient's peptic ulcer disease or alcohol dependency. β-adrenergic blocker therapy is recommended after MI.
The nurse obtains this information from a patient with pre-hypertension. Which of the following findings is most important to address with the patient?
- A. Low dietary fibre intake
- B. No regular aerobic exercise
- C. BMI of 23 kg/m^2
- D. Drinks wine with dinner once a week
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommendations for preventing hypertension include exercising aerobically for 30-60 minutes four to seven days a week. A BMI of 23 kg/m^2 is within the normal BMI range. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is high in fibre, but increasing fibre alone will not prevent hypertension from developing. The patient's alcohol intake will not increase the hypertension risk.
Which of the following BP findings by the nurse indicate that no changes in therapy are needed for a patient with stage 1 hypertension who has a history of heart failure?
- A. 108/64 mm Hg
- B. 128/76 mm Hg
- C. 140/90 mm Hg
- D. 136/82 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The goal for antihypertensive therapy for a patient with hypertension and heart failure is a BP of <130/80 mm Hg. The BP of 108/64 may indicate overtreatment of the hypertension and an increased risk for adverse effects of drugs. The other two blood pressures indicate a need for modifications in the patient's treatment.
Which of the following information should the nurse include when teaching a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension?
- A. Dietary sodium restriction will control BP for most patients.
- B. Most patients are able to control BP through lifestyle changes.
- C. Hypertension is usually asymptomatic until significant organ damage occurs.
- D. Annual BP checks are needed to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is usually asymptomatic until target organ damage has occurred. Lifestyle changes and sodium restriction are used to help manage blood pressure, but drugs are needed for most patients. BP should be checked by the health care provider every 3-6 months.