low blood pressure
Hypertension
SN instructed patient to recognize signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, although it is frequently asymptomatic, like blurring of vision, fatigue, nose bleeds and chest pain. If symptoms continue go to ER, or call 911.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on hypertensive urgency which is a situation where the blood pressure is severely elevated and that experiencing hypertensive urgency may or may not experience one or more of these symptoms: severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and severe anxiety, chest or back pain, numbness or severe weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking. Patient and caregiver were advised to seek immediately medical assistance and/or call 9-1-1 if any of these signs or symptoms appear. Patient and caregiver verbalized understanding. Family is independent with hypertension process.
Taught that Hypertension (HTN) is the occasional or continued elevation of diastolic or systolic pressure.
Patient was instructed on hypertension. Decrease blood flow to certain organs in the body can cause damage leading to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and abnormal heartbeat, stroke, kidney (renal) failure, peripheral arterial disease, eye damage (retinopathy).
SN explained that long standing hypertension leads to heart damage that is called heart failure. This means your heart "fails" to pump your blood to your body effectively. You may notice swelling in your extremities, that you are easily fatigued with normal activity, and weight gain. Any of these symptoms or worsening of them should be reported to SN or MD.