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With each patient something different might need to be done. For one they may need to get his or her meds earlier in the day while for another it could be just as simple as crushing the meds and putting them in applesauce or pudding. Talk to the doctor and hopefully come up with the solution best for that patient
If this is a pattern of high BPs and refusals, then the meds need to be given at a different time. Do not raise the foot and lower the HOB, you are right, that is for HYPOtension. And I wouldn't be surprised if the doc didn't immediately call you back for that pressure, you are right, it is not a crisis.
Tiffany Lynne
4 Posts
Hi everyone. I am a recent grad working in long term care. Many of our patients tend to get “sundowners” and will refuse their PM medications. After refused blood pressure medications I see a lot of very high blood pressures for example 178/86, 192/96 etc. Not yet in the defined hypertensive crisis range of >180 systolic “and” >120 diastolic but high enough to make me worry.
Are there any non-pharmacological interventions I can take to help reduce the patients BP? The only things I can think of are having the patient rest, reducing stressors such as reducing noise and dimming lights, but what else is there?
At what point should I call the doctor? I called for the 192/96 (after several high BP readings in 2.5 hours with no symptoms s/a severe headache, I called) and the doctor seemed completely unconcerned, didn’t give parameters for a call back. Am I worrying when I shouldn’t?
Several of the other nurses told me they raise the foot of the bed and lower the HOB but I thought that was only for hypotension. Wouldn’t that intervention increase blood pressure?
Thanks for any help or advice.