A patient with a history of hypertension treated with a diuretic ...

[jman1234]

A patient with a history of hypertension treated with a diuretic and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor arrives in the emergency department complaining of a severe headache and nausea and has a blood pressure (BP) of 238/118 mm Hg.
 
  Which question should the nurse ask first?
  a. Did you take any acetaminophen (Tylenol) today?
  b. Have you been consistently taking your medications?
  c. Have there been any recent stressful events in your life?
  d. Have you recently taken any antihistamine medications?

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
 
  a. Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL
  b. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
  c. Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL
  d. Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL

[joshbk44]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Sudden withdrawal of antihypertensive medications can cause rebound hypertension and hypertensive crisis. Although many over-the-counter medications can cause hypertension, antihistamines and acetaminophen do not increase BP. Stressful events will increase BP but not usually to the level seen in this patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The elevated creatinine indicates renal damage caused by the hypertension. The other laboratory results are normal.

[jman1234]

TYSM

[cpetit11]

Excellent