Nursing Care Plan for Hypertension

Assess readiness and blocks to learning. Include significant other (SO).	Misconceptions and denial of the diagnosis because of long-standing feelings of well-being may interfere with patient and SO willingness to learn about disease, progression, and prognosis. If patient does not accept the reality of a life-threatening condition requiring continuing treatment, lifestyle and behavioral changes will not be initiated or sustained.
Define and state the limits of desired BP. Explain hypertension and its effects on the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.	Provides basis for understanding elevations of BP, and clarifies frequently used medical terminology. Understanding that high BP can exist without symptoms is central to enabling patient to continue treatment, even when feeling well.
Avoid saying “normal” BP, and use the term “well-controlled” to describe patient’s BP within desired limits.	Because treatment for hypertension is lifelong, conveying the idea of “control” helps patient understand the need for continued treatment and medication.
Assist patient in identifying modifiable risk factors (obesity; diet high in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol; sedentary lifestyle; smoking; alcohol intake of more than 2 oz per day on a regular basis; stressful lifestyle).	These risk factors have been shown to contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular and renal disease.
Problem-solve with patient to identify ways in which appropriate lifestyle changes can be made to reduce modifiable risk factors.	Changing “comfortable or usual” behavior patterns can be very difficult and stressful. Support, guidance, and empathy can enhance patient’s success in accomplishing these tasks.
Discuss importance of eliminating smoking, and assist patient in formulating a plan to quit smoking.	Nicotine increases catecholamine discharge, resulting in increased heart rate, BP, vasoconstriction, and myocardial workload, and reduces tissue oxygenation.
Reinforce the importance of adhering to treatment regimen and keeping follow-up appointments.	Lack of cooperation is a common reason...

Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville, a part of the Novant Health organization, is a private, 60-bed not-for-profit medical facility located in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville offers a variety of services including:
• Cancer services, including chemotherapy, support for stem cell transplant patients, blood product...

• Nursing I Care plans templates
• Nursing Care Plan for Cellulitis
• Nursing Care Plan for Anemia
• Nursing Care Plan for Sepsis