I've got a question -Taking BP before giving anti-hypertensives

[greatshakes]

Just wondering about this. If I were handing out meds to a patient with prior hypertension in a med-surg ward and the patients chart indicated low BP because of the prescribed anti-hypertensives would I be laughed at if I took their BP before medicating? I thought it would be a safer option to do this and even withhold the meds because of the lowered blood pressure. I don't know if I am too cautious but as a new grad I don't want to make any mistakes in the haste to just pass all meds. I mean if the buck stops with us wouldn't this be the best option? Has anyone been in the situation where a persons BP has just dropped way below because either everyone was too busy to take a BP. How many of you regularly check BP's before administering or is there just not time?. It might seem like a stupid question or I might just be naive. I know if someone's BP is really low and the meds are withheld it might be mentioned in handover but what if no-one has noticed.

[jacque7305]

Our hospital policy is to check all VS before passing meds, and its good because docs usually come a little after 8 for rounds, so if we have any questions or concerns- we have their VS right there available- and I would definately ask about parameters to hold the medication. In LTC we had one lil lady on amiodarone for arrhythmia- with an order to hold if HR

Good Luck OUr nursing instructor instilled: Always Always assess before implementing- it will save you time in the long run!