Hypertension is blood pressure that exceeds 140/90 mm Hg or higher (a diagnosis can be established after three or more blood consecutive pressure readings). Antihypertensive medication is often used to reduce blood pressure. The blood pressure is the amount of blood the heart pumps and the resistance of blood flow in the arteries. If the heart pumps more blood than needed, or the arteries become narrower the result will be a higher blood pressure (3). The main purpose for treating hypertension is to decrease the risk of further complications that can lead to a stroke, and to prevent further narrowing of the arteries (8).
M.B. (55), was admitted to the ICU three days ago with a hypertensive emergency (“a situation in which blood pressure must be lowered immediately.”) (9) Health care providers noted on admission her body mass index was 30, classification level obese (5). Currently stable on the medical floor. M.B. was diagnosed with hypertension four years ago and placed on medication. She has a family history, parents and brother who also have hypertension. She’s weepy and expresses fear of having a stroke (6).
1. Identify at least two potential learning needs for M.B. regarding her diagnosis.
- BMI of 30, is classified as obese (5). Lowering her body weight will help reduce some of her struggles with …show more content…
on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, to help reduce her weight and help reduce her BMI. Rationales for weight reduction, “of all lifestyle changes, weight reduction has most consistently demonstrated blood pressure lowering effects. A weight loss of just 10lbs can lower blood pressure” (4). Adopting the DASH diet, is “high in fruits, vegetables; high in low-fat dairy products; low in total and saturated fats; and rich in potassium, magnesium, protein, and fiber, which helps lower blood pressure” (4). Essentially helping to lower cholesterol levels and making it easier to lose