Reference no: EM133847588

Question 

Patient Profile: Margaret Simpson is a married, 49-year-old Filipino woman with six children whose ages range from 6 to 16 years.

Subjective Data:

• Say she experiences frequent morning headaches and occasional dizziness and blurred vision for the past 2 months.

• Says she has gained 20 lb over the past year since her husband died

• Has never smoked and used alcohol occasionally

• The only medication is one multivitamin per day

• Eats a lot of canned food

• Does not exercise

Objective Data

• Height: 5 ft, 4 in (162.6 cm)

• Weight: 170 lbs. (77.1 kg)

• BP: 170/100 and 160/90 mmHg.

• Physical examination shows no abnormalities

• Serum potassium: 3.3 mEq/L (3.3 mmol/L)

The health care provider diagnosed hypertension and prescribed lifestyle modifications. She was instructed to reduce her fat and cholesterol intake, to avoid using salt at the table, and to start walking for 30 to 45 minutes daily. Mrs. Simpson returns to the clinic for a follow-up.

Discussion Questions

Using a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:

1. Identify the factors that contributed to Mrs. Simpson's hypertension

2. Which were modifiable risk factors and which were not?

3. What is the rationale for reducing sodium and fat in Mrs. Simpson's diet?

4. Discuss the role of stress in hypertension. What factors in Mrs. Simpson's life contribute to her stress level?

5. If drug therapy became necessary to treat K.J.'s hypertension, what diuretic would be indicated based on her laboratory results?

6. Develop a plan of care for the nursing diagnosis Low self-esteem related to obesity.

7. Priority Decision: What other priority teaching measures should be instituted by the nurse?