Book Description

Abstract: The incidence, causes, risks, and control of hypertension are discussed in this resource manual directed toward nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. Topics include 1) the epidemiology of hypertension, 2) the pathophysiology of essential and secondary hypertension, 3) pharmacological management of hypertension (diuretics, sympathetic inhibitors, vasodilators, reninagniotensin inhibitors, calcium blockers), 4) evaluation of the hypertensive patient (history, physical examination, laboratory results), 5) hypertensive patient treatment and follow-up. Aspects of the patient counseling process and the nurse's role and responsibilities are outlined. The challenge of patient noncompliance and a multidisciplinary approach to patient education are explored. Recommendations for organization of a clinic for effective hypertension detection and treatment, and for hypertension screening and treatment programs at the work-site are described. Appendices present 1) quality assurance nursing outcomes for hypertension counseling, 2) a hypertension patient education series, and 3) hypertension learning resources.