Author Question: During the visit, you ask M.P., When was your last eye examination? She answers, I'm not sure, ... (Read 73 times)

londonang · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

During the visit, you ask M.P., When was your last eye examination? She answers, I'm not sure, probably about 2 years ago.

What does that have to do with my blood pressure? What
is your response?

Question 2

M.P. tells you she was recently at a luncheon with her garden club and that most of those women take different BP pills than she does. She asks why their pills are different shapes and colors.

How can you explain the difference to M.P.?

Ahernandez18 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Hypertension can affect the vasculature of the eyes, and damage to the vessels may result in
blindness if not controlled. Regular eye examinations, at least every year, are recommended to
evaluate treatment effectiveness.

M.P. comes in for a routine follow-up visit 3 months later. She continues to do well on her daily BP drug
regimen, with average BP readings of 130/78 mm Hg. She participates in a senior citizens' group walking
program at the local mall. She admits she has not done as well with decreasing her salt intake but says
she is trying.

Answer to Question 2

Start by explaining that many different drugs are used to treat HTN. The goal of her therapy is
to find medications that adequately control her BP with few or no side effects. Each patient is
individual in his or her medical history and tolerance for specific medications, so M.P. may find that
her friends are on different medications.
Many drugs have generic versions, with different doses and formulations for each. All of these will
have different shapes and colors, so the same drug may have several different appearances. This
can be confusing, so patients should always double-check with their pharmacist to ensure there
has been no mistake if their medication looks different.