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Which of the following actions should the nurse in the hypertension clinic take in order to obtain an accurate baseline blood pressure (BP) for a new patient?
- A. Obtain a BP reading in each arm and average the results.
- B. Deflate the BP cuff at a rate of 5-10 mm Hg/second.
- C. Have the patient sit in a chair.
- D. Assist the patient to the supine position for BP measurements.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient should be seated to assess the initial BP and pulse. The BP is obtained in both arms, but the results of the two arms are not averaged. The patient does not need to be in the supine position. The cuff should be deflated at 2-3 mm Hg/second.
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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.
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
- A. Serum creatinine of 230 mcmol/L
- B. Serum potassium of 3.8 mmol/L
- C. Serum hemoglobin of 147 g/L
- D. Blood glucose level of 5.3 mmol/L
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The elevated creatinine indicates renal damage caused by the hypertension. The other laboratory results are normal.
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.
The nurse is admitting a patient with a history of hypertension and is being treated with a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to the emergency department. The patient has symptoms of a severe headache and has a BP of 240/118 mm Hg. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?
- A. Did you take any acetaminophen today?
- B. Do you have any recent stressful events in your life?
- C. Have you been consistently taking your medications?
- D. Have you recently taken any antihistamine medications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden withdrawal of antihypertensive medications can cause rebound hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Although many over-the-counter medications can cause hypertension, antihistamines and acetaminophen do not increase BP. Stressful events will increase BP but not usually to the level seen in this patient.
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.