Question

The community health nurse is preparing a program about hypertension for a local community center. The focus of the program is on the reduction of risk factors and compliance for those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. The target population includes older adults. a.The nurse focuses on primary hypertension because it accounts for 90% - 95% of hypertension in the United States. What risk factors does the nurse include for this population? Smoking, elevated LDL’s and total cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, impaired renal function, obesity, physical inactivity, age over 55, and family history of cardiovascular disease are all risk factors for high blood pressure. b.The nurse prepares to discuss the changes in how the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure defines hypertension. What ranges and descriptions should the nurse include? c.Because this is a gerontologic audience, the nurse needs to review why blood pressure increases with age. Explain how the structural and functional changes of aging contribute to higher blood pressure in the older adult. d. What information does the nurse include about lifestyle modifications that may decrease risk of hypertension or complications associated with diagnosed hypertension?

Answer 1

a) The nurse must include the risk factors like Diabetes mellitus, impaired renal function and elevated LDL and total cholesterol.some one with high blood pressure is at a significantly greater risk for heart failure, chronic kidney disease and damage to the arteries cause heart attack. Diabetes also increases the average blood pressure.

b) the nurse should describe about stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension. According to JNC, systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg is belongs to stage 1 category and systolic at least 140 or diastolic 90 mmHg is considered as stage 2 category.

c) The structural changes in the arteries especially with large artery stiffness cause high BP.moreover, the blood vessels naturally harden with age, losing their elasticity lead to blood vessel damage.

d) life style modifications are

• Eat a healthy diet. DASH diet is recommendable.
• Avoid salt consumption
• Being at a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Managing stress
• Get regular medical care and follow prescribed treatment plan