Nursing Care of Patients with Hypertension

Flashcards covering the definitions, categories, types, risk factors, and treatments for hypertension as presented in Nursing Care of Patients with Hypertension, 7th Edition.

Blood Pressure

The pressure exerted by blood on the walls of blood vessels, determined by cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, vessel stretch, blood viscosity, and blood volume.

Normal Blood Pressure

A blood pressure category in adults defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of $<120\text{ mm Hg}$ and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of $<80\text{ mm Hg}$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A blood pressure category in adults defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of $120\text{--}129\text{ mm Hg}$ and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of $<80\text{ mm Hg}$.

Hypertension Stage 1

A blood pressure category in adults defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of $130\text{--}139\text{ mm Hg}$ or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of $80\text{--}89\text{ mm Hg}$.

Hypertension Stage 2

A blood pressure category in adults defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of $\geq 140\text{ mm Hg}$ or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of $\geq 90\text{ mm Hg}$.

Primary Hypertension

A type of hypertension with an unknown cause where systolic or diastolic pressure is elevated with no identifiable cause.

Secondary Hypertension

A type of hypertension with a known cause, such as pain, certain medications, pregnancy, or endocrine system disorders.

"Silent Killer"

A term used to describe hypertension because it often presents with no signs or symptoms.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors

Risk factors for hypertension that cannot be changed, including age, sex, family history, and race.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Risk factors for hypertension that are changeable, including diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, stress, and obesity.

DASH Dietary Pattern

A dietary pattern used for hypertension management that involves limiting sodium intake and increasing potassium intake.

Thiazide-like diuretics

The first-line treatment medication class for hypertension.

Alpha blockers

A medication class that causes vasodilation resulting in decreased blood pressure.

Beta blockers

A medication class that decreases heart rate and contractility, resulting in a moderate decrease in blood pressure.

Central agents

Medications that decrease Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) activity to relax blood vessels and lower heart rate.

Direct vasodilators

Medications that relax smooth muscles, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure.

Hypertensive Urgency

A severe blood pressure elevation (systolic $>180\text{ mm Hg}$ or diastolic $>120\text{ mm Hg}$) without target organ dysfunction progression, often manifesting as severe headaches, nosebleeds, and anxiety.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A potential side effect of antihypertensive medication where blood pressure drops upon standing; patients are taught to rise slowly to prevent dizziness and falls.

CUS Communication

A safety communication framework used in healthcare where C stands for "Concerned," U stands for "Uncomfortable," and S stands for "Safety."