Flashcards for:
Hypertension NCLEX Review

Diet changes, regular exercise, and limiting sodium and alcohol intake.

Calcium Channel Blockers lower heart rate, decrease workload, and cause vasodilation. Precautions include monitoring for bradycardia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and AV blocks.

"C.A.K.E" - Cardiovascular, Brain, Kidneys, Eyes

Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide. Patient education: Consume enough potassium, watch lithium levels, be aware of photosensitivity.

It helps to ensure an accurate reading and identify any discrepancies that could indicate underlying conditions.

Systolic < 120, Diastolic < 80

Primary Hypertension has no identifiable cause but various risk factors; Secondary Hypertension is caused by pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy, Cushing syndrome, chronic renal failure, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.

ARBs are often used if patients experience a dry cough with ACE Inhibitors. An example of an ARB medication is Losartan.

Blurred vision, headache, chest pain, nosebleeds, dizziness, ringing in the ears (though it is often asymptomatic)

Narrowing of arteries increases blood pressure, causing increased resistance which can damage organs due to prolonged high pressure.

Assess, evaluate, and educate. This includes measuring blood pressure, examining family history, calculating BMI, reporting high blood pressure to the physician, and ensuring medication compliance.

Dry cough. Patients should avoid potassium substitutes and never stop medication abruptly.

Beta Blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms and cause bronchoconstriction; therefore, they should be used with caution in patients with asthma or COPD and diabetes.

Race (black males at higher risk), Increased intake of sodium or alcohol, Smoking or stress (others include family history, advanced age, high cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sleep apnea, low potassium or vitamin D levels, too much caffeine)

Systolic ≥ 160, Diastolic ≥ 100