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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.
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When a patient with hypertension who has a new prescription for atenolol returns to the health clinic after 2 weeks for a follow-up visit, the BP is unchanged from the previous visit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Provide information about the use of multiple drugs to treat hypertension.
- B. Teach the patient about the reasons for a possible change in drug therapy.
- C. Remind the patient that lifestyle changes also are important in BP control.
- D. Ask the patient about whether the medication is actually being taken.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Since nonadherence with antihypertensive therapy is common, the nurse's initial action should be to determine whether the patient is taking the atenolol as prescribed. The other actions also may be implemented, but these would be done after assessing patient compliance with the prescribed therapy.
The nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension and has just administered the initial dose of labetalol. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage oral fluids to prevent dry mouth or dehydration.
- B. Instruct the patient to ask for help if heart palpitations occur.
- C. Ask the patient to request assistance when getting out of bed.
- D. Teach the patient that headaches may occur with this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Labetalol decreases sympathetic nervous system activity by blocking both ?±- and β-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in heart rate, which can cause severe orthostatic hypotension. Heart palpitations, dehydration, and headaches are possible adverse effects of other antihypertensives.
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.
The charge nurse observes a new RN doing discharge teaching for a patient who is hypertensive and has a new prescription for enalapril. Which of the following actions by the new RN should cause the charge nurse to intervene in the patient's care?
- A. Check the BP with a home BP monitor every day.
- B. Move slowly when moving from lying to standing.
- C. Increase the dietary intake of high-potassium foods.
- D. Make an appointment with the dietitian for teaching.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ACE inhibitors cause retention of potassium by the kidney, so hyperkalemia is a possible adverse effect. The other teaching by the new RN is appropriate for a patient with newly diagnosed hypertension who has just started therapy with enalapril.
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.