1.Explain the pathophysiology of hypertension.
Hypertension is a chronic elevation of blood pressure. BP is the
amount of pressure being exerted against the vessel walls. Blood
pressure increases with the effort to force the blood through
smaller openings d/t vasoconstriction or atherosclerosis, increase
in volume or viscosity.
Systolic is greater than 130 and diastolic is greater than 80.
S/S: CNS: Visual changes, dizziness,
tinnitus, headache.
HEART: Increased HR, flushed
face.
RESP: Chest pain.
MISC.: Epistaxis.
H: Headaches
E: Epistaxis
A: Asymptomatic
R: really bad headache
T: Tinnitus
2.Identify and discuss the complications that can occur as a
consequence of hypertension.
Arteriosclerosis – hardening/narrowing of the arteries d/t
cholesterol deposit.
Blood clots – embolisms obstruct blood flow.
Pulmonary HTN – d/t fluid back-up in the lungs cause by heart
failure.
Stroke – cerebral hemorrhage d/t ruptured blood vessel
Kidney Disease d/t hypertension
Vascular disease – damage of blood vessels and weakened artery
walls, causing aneurysms.
Glaucoma
3.Briefly describe the treatment program for the different stages
of hypertension.
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-90 mmhg Treatment: modify diet, increase exercise, lose weight,
stop smoking. Lifestyle change.
Stage1: 140-159/ 90-99 mmhg
Treatment: Lifestyle change + antihypertensives +
diuretics Stage 2: > 160/99 mmhg: Lifestyle change + antihypertensives
+ diuretics
Primary HTN: aging, family hx, African American race, obesity,
smoking, stress, alcohol, hyperlipidemia, excess salt intake, low
potassium intake.
Secondary HTN: caused by CVD, Renal disease, endocrine
disorders, pregnancy, meds (glucocorticoids, estrogens)
4. Contrast the pathophysiology of arteriosclerosis with that of
atherosclerosis .
Arteriosclerosis: Hardening/thickening of arteries due to calcium
deposits leading to ischemia and necrosis. Atherosclerosis: narrowing of arteries d/t fat deposits that form
plaques (clotting).
5.List four factors that contribute to peripheral vascular disease .
PVD: narrowing/obstruction of peripheral blood vessels and loss
of function.
Spasm of smooth muscles in artery walls (Raynaud’s
disease)
aneurysms trauma blood clotting
defective valvular function
thrombophlebitis
6.Explain the signs, symptoms, and treatment of aneurysm.
Aneurysm: Outpouching of the wall of the artery that occurs in a
weakened area of the blood vessel d/t plaque formation,
genetics, HTN, trauma, surgical procedures. (Blood clot),
breaks away (embolus). Aortic Aneurysm occur below the
diaphragm (abdominal) or ascending aorta in the chest
(thoracic). 65 percent of pt’s with ruptured AAA die
before reaching the hospital.
Risk Factors: smoking, HTN, men, heart disease
S/S: Asymptomatic
AAA (back pain, pressure, visible pulsation of the
abdomen
Thoracic: substernal/trachea pressure, dyspnea