Mrs. Johnson is a 72-year-old African American woman with primary hypertension diagnosed 22 years ago after she went through menopause. According to her family history, her father had high blood pressure and her grandfather died of a stroke at the age of 63. She worked at an insurance office for about 40 years until she retired 5 years ago. She states she feels “pretty overwhelmed” since her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 6 months ago. At this time she takes hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) 50 mg twice a day and amlodipine (Norvasc) 10 mg a day. She tells you that she has missed doses lately because she has been so busy with her husband.
- What are Mrs. Johnson’s risk factors for hypertension?
- What teaching should the practical nurse reinforce for Mrs. Johnson about her antihypertensive drugs?
- Please describe concerns you have as a practical nurse considering her history and assessment findings.
