interventions?

Published

Specializes in Medical-surgical.

This is probably a dumb question, but its been bugging me for a couple days. What are some nursing interventions for the acute management for hypertension? Atleast until I can get a doc on the phone? I had a patient the other day whose bp was within his baseline but was climbing at around 2 am. Can anyone help or give me some ideas as to some nursing diagnoses to look at?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele, ER.

Well, it's a tough question to answer without more info. I don't know of any interventions for acute HTN, but usually if I have a pt whose BP is suddenly climbing, the first thing I start doing is trying to find out why? Fluid overload, pain, fever, etc. are a couple that come to mind off the top of my head, and if any of these are present, then you can figure out nursing interventions for these.. I don't know if this helps you, but it gives you a place to start

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-surgical.

Thats an awesome answer, thank you so much. It makes perfect sense to determine why the blood pressure is climbing in the first place. Thanks again for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ED, ortho, urology.

Some of the HTN that I come accross is because due to the length of time the person has been in ED, or due to their injury (I'm on a surgical ward), the person either hasn't had their regular antihypertensive meds, or their regular med weren't all charted, such as a GTN patch or whatever....

But that isn't usually the case with medical patients I've come accross.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

don't forget - the doc gets the big bucks and it is better to call then wish you had.

BTW: just needing to potty can affect BP. Depends on the neuro status of the pt

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion