Blood Pressures

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Hello! I just have have a question. What exactly constitutes a low blood pressure? 90/60? That is what docs usually hold for. However, after I have administred a pt's bp meds, I have had them be at 101/58. That seems a bit low, but I suppose it depends on the pt. I work with dementia pt's, so their perception may not always be that reliable. They may say they are not dizzy etc..but how do I know? I have a pt. on several bp meds, so I started keeping a log of her blood pressures.

In the case, the resident has dementia, she has a-fib, cardiomyopathy and a working diagnosis of CHF. She is on coumadin, Inderal, lisinopril, just started lasix. I just have heard a lot of conflicting things about BP's and different cardiac issues and I have gotten a lot of different BP's with her.

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Specializes in ICU.
In the case, the resident has dementia, she has a-fib, cardiomyopathy and a working diagnosis of CHF. She is on coumadin, Inderal, lisinopril, just started lasix. I just have heard a lot of conflicting things about BP's and different cardiac issues and I have gotten a lot of different BP's with her.

You probably get lots of different BP's with her because she is on a few meds that effect blood pressure.

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You have developed an excellent assessment of your patient! Kudos.

In this case.. the addition of Lasix to treat the CHF is your main concern.

This is the drug that will tip the medication regimen towards hypotension.

Take the BP (manually) before you administer the lasix. Lasix is the med that is priority right now. Any other meds that can contribute to hypotension may need to be held.

Report the trend to the doc... hopefully you will get the orders you need.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

i totally agree with been there, done that, in addition, this the reason why in a case like the one you have presented i always take my patients bp manually its the best policy :cool:

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Thanks!

Will keep you updated. Maybe it would be good to get some parameters from the doc. for her.

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