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.
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.
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
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.