Treatments for Hypotension
Treatments for Hypotension
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Hypotension
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Vitamin B12 - possibly used for related vitamin B12 deficiency
Hypotension: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Hypotension may include:
Hidden causes of Hypotension may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Hypotension: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Hypotension:
Hypotension: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Cholesterol Specialists:
- Cardiac (Heart) Specialists:
- Blood Health Specialists (Hematology):
- more specialists...»
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Hypotension:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Hypotension include:
- AK-Dilate
- AK-Nefrin
- Formulation R
- Medicone
- Mydrin
- Neo-Synephrine Extra Strength
- Neo-Synephrine Mild
- Neo-Synephrine Ophthalmic
- Neo-Synephrine Regular Strength
- Phenoptic
- Nostril
- Relief
- Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray
- Vicks Sinex UltraFine Mist
- Dionephrine
- Mydfrin
- Neo-Synephrine
Latest treatments for Hypotension:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Hypotension:
Hospital statistics for Hypotension:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Hypotension:
- 0.089% (11,359) of hospital consultant episodes were for hypotension in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 68% of hospital consultant episodes for hypotension required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 45% of hospital consultant episodes for hypotension were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 55% of hospital consultant episodes for hypotension were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Hypotension
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Hypotension:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Hypotension,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Hypotension:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Hypotension:
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Hypotension
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Hypotension
- Treatment - Hypotension
- Treatment - Low Back Pain/Swelling
- Emergency interventions - Pulse pressure, widened
- Emergency interventions - Pulsus paradoxus
- Emergency interventions - Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]
- Emergency interventions - Blood pressure decrease [Hypotension]
- Emergency Interventions - Pulse pressure, widened
- Emergency Interventions - Pulsus paradoxus
- Emergency Interventions - Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]
- Emergency interventions - Blood pressure decrease [Hypotension]
- Emergency Interventions - Low birth weight
- Nursing considerations - Pulse pressure, widened
- Nursing considerations - Hypotension, orthostatic
- Nursing considerations - Pulsus paradoxus [Paradoxical pulse]
- Patient counseling - Pulse pressure, narrowed
- Emergency Actions - Pulse pressure, widened
- Patient counseling - Pulse, absent or weak
- Emergency Actions - Pulsus paradoxus
- Emergency Actions - Orthostatic hypotension
- Nursing considerations - Pulse pressure, narrowed
- Nursing considerations - Pulse pressure, widened
- Nursing considerations - Pulse, absent or weak
- Nursing considerations - Pulsus paradoxus
- Nursing considerations - Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]
- Nursing considerations - Blood pressure, decreased [Hypotension]
- Nursing considerations - Low birth weight
Treatments of Hypotension: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Hypotension.
Hypotension:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Orthostatic hypotension: Increase salt and water intake; pharmacologic treatment for moderate to severe disease may include fludrocortisone acetate, sympathomimetic agents, NSAIDs, caffeine, and erythropoietin
-
Volume depletion: Fluid replacement based on existing deficiencies (e.g., saline, dextrose, potassium, packed red blood cells)
-
Remove offending medications, compensate for medication needs
-
Adrenal insufficiency requires stress doses of IV hydrocortisone (100 mg IV every 6 hours)
-
Patient education (e.g., rise slowly from sitting to standing)
>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Low Back Pain/Swelling:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
In absence of red flag symptoms, return to activity as soon as possible; rest has not been shown to improve recovery
-
Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, and/or muscle relaxants for pain; epidural corticosteroid injections may be indicated for resistant pain
-
Patient education (weight loss, exercise, proper back biomechanics and ergonomics)
-
Physical therapy, including pain relief modalities (ice, heat, ultrasound), stretching, strengthening, aerobic conditioning, and relaxation therapy
-
Surgery may be indicated for refractory disease, large neurologic deficits, unbearable pain, or significant limitations
'>>'>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Pulse pressure, widened:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) is decreased, and you suspect that his widened pulse pressure results from increased ICP, check his vital signs. Maintain a patent airway, and prepare to hyperventilate the patient with a handheld resuscitation bag to help reduce partial pressure of carbon dioxide levels and, thus, ICP. Perform a thorough neurologic examination to serve as a baseline for assessing subsequent changes. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale to evaluate the patient’s LOC. (See Glasgow Coma Scale, page 374.) Also, check cranial nerve function — especially in cranial nerves III, IV, and VI — and assess pupillary reactions, reflexes, and muscle tone. Insertion of an ICP monitor may be necessary. If you don’t suspect increased ICP, ask about associated symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, or syncope. Check for edema, and auscultate for murmurs.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Pulsus paradoxus:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Pulsus paradoxus may signal cardiac tamponade — a life-threatening complication of pericardial effusion that occurs when sufficient blood or fluid accumulates to compress the heart. When you detect pulsus paradoxus, quickly take the patient’s other vital signs. Check for additional signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, diaphoresis, jugular vein distention, tachycardia, narrowed pulse pressure, and hypotension. Emergency pericardiocentesis to aspirate blood or fluid from the pericardial sac may be necessary. Then evaluate the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis by measuring the degree of pulsus paradoxus; it should decrease after aspiration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If you detect orthostatic hypotension, quickly check for tachycardia, an altered level of consciousness (LOC), and pale, clammy skin. If these signs are present, suspect hypovolemic shock. Insert a large-bore I.V. line for fluid or blood replacement. Take the patient’s vital signs every 15 minutes, and monitor his intake and output. Encourage bed rest.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Blood pressure decrease [Hypotension]:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient's systolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg, or 30 mm Hg below his baseline, suspect shock. Quickly evaluate the patient for a decreased LOC. Check his apical pulse for tachycardia and his respirations for tachypnea. Also, inspect the patient for cool, clammy skin. Elevate the patient's legs above the level of his heart, or place him in Trendelenburg's position if the bed can be adjusted. Then start an I.V. line using a large-bore needle to replace fluids and blood or to administer drugs. Prepare to administer oxygen with mechanical ventilation, if necessary. Monitor the patient's intake and output and insert an indwelling urinary catheter to accurately measure urine output. The patient may also need a central venous line or a pulmonary artery catheter to facilitate monitoring his fluid status. Prepare for cardiac monitoring to evaluate cardiac rhythm. Be ready to insert a nasogastric tube to prevent aspiration in the comatose patient. Throughout emergency interventions, keep the patient's spinal column immobile until spinal cord trauma is ruled out.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Pulse pressure, widened:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Ifthe patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) is decreased, and you suspect that his widened pulse pressure results from increased ICP, check his vital signs and oxygen saturation. Maintain a patent airway. Provide supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support to keep the patient’s partial pressure of arterial oxygen above 90 mm Hg or his oxygen saturation above 95%. Give osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, by I.V. infusion to decrease ICP. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter; monitor intake and output during mannitol therapy. Start ICP monitoring. Administer analgesics as ordered. Hyperventilation therapy to decrease the patient’s partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and to treat ICP remains controversial but may be needed for short intervals when ICP and neurologic deterioration increase. Perform a neurologic examination. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale (see page 480) to evaluate LOC. Check cranial nerve function—especially cranial nerves III, IV, and VI—and assess papillary reactions, reflexes, and muscle tone. Continue ICP monitoring. If you don’t suspect increased ICP, ask about associated symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, or syncope. Check for edema and auscultate for murmurs.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Pulsus paradoxus:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
A pulsus paradoxus may signal cardiac tamponade—a life-threatening complication of pericardial effusion that occurs when sufficient blood or fluid accumulates to compress the heart. When you detect pulsus paradoxus, quickly check the patient’s other vital signs. Check for additional signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, diaphoresis, jugular vein distention, tachycardia, narrowed pulse pressure, and hypotension. Emergency pericardiocentesis to aspirate blood or fluid from the pericardial sac may be necessary. Then evaluate the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis by measuring the degree of pulsus paradoxus; it should decrease after aspiration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you detect orthostatic hypotension, quickly check for tachycardia, altered level of consciousness (LOC), and pale, clammy skin. If these signs are present, suspect hypovolemic shock. Insert a large-bore I.V. for fluid or blood replacement. Take the patient’s vital signs every 15 minutes, and monitor his intake and output.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Blood pressure decrease [Hypotension]:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient’s systolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg, or 30 mm Hg below his baseline, suspect shock immediately. Quickly evaluate the patient for a decreased LOC. Check his apical pulse for tachycardia and respirations for tachypnea. Also, inspect the patient for cool, clammy skin. Elevate his legs above the level of his heart, or place him in Trendelenburg’s position if the bed can be adjusted. Then start an I.V. line using a large-bore needle to replace fluids and blood or to administer drugs. Prepare to administer oxygen with mechanical ventilation if necessary. Monitor the patient’s intake and output, and insert an indwelling urinary catheter for the accurate measurement of urine. The patient may also need a central venous line or a pulmonary artery catheter to facilitate monitoring of fluid status. Prepare for cardiac monitoring to evaluate cardiac rhythm. Be ready to insert a nasogastric tube to prevent aspiration in the comatose patient. Throughout emergency interventions, keep the patient’s spinal column immobile until spinal cord trauma is ruled out.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Low birth weight:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Because low birth weight may be associated with poorly developed body systems, particularly the respiratory system, your priority is to monitor the neonate’s respiratory status. Be alert for signs of distress, such as apnea, grunting respirations, intercostal or xiphoid retractions, or a respiratory rate exceeding 60 breaths/minute after the first hour of life. If you detect any of these signs, prepare to provide respiratory support. Endotracheal intubation or supplemental oxygen with an oxygen hood may be needed.
Monitor the neonate’s axillary temperature. Decreased fat reserves may keep him from maintaining normal body temperature, and a drop below 97.8° F (36.5° C) exacerbates respiratory distress by increasing oxygen consumption. To maintain normal body temperature, use an overbed warmer or an Isolette. (If these are unavailable, use a wrapped rubber bottle filled with warm water, but be careful to avoid hyperthermia.) Cover neonate’s head to prevent heat loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Pulse pressure, widened:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
If the patient displays increased ICP, continually reevaluate his neurologic status and compare your findings carefully with those of previous evaluations. Stay alert for restlessness, confusion, unresponsiveness, or a decreased LOC. Keep in mind, however, that increasing ICP is commonly signaled by subtle changes in the patient’scondition, rather than the abrupt development of any one sign or symptom.
Patient teaching
Explain needed dietary modifications such as restricted sodium and saturated fats. Stress the importance of planning rest periods. If the patient has a decreased LOC, discuss specific safety measures. If the condition is related to increased body temperature, discuss fever management, proper cooling measures if exposed to excessive heat for long periods, and proper fluid consumption with the patient.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Hypotension, orthostatic:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Monitor the patient’s fluid balance by carefully recording his intake and output and weighing him daily. To help minimize orthostatic hypotension, advise the patient to change his position gradually. Elevate the head of the patient’s bed, and help him to a sitting position with his feet dangling over the side of the bed. If he can tolerate this position, have him sit in a chair for brief periods. Immediately return him to bed if he becomes dizzy or pale, or displays other signs of hypotension.
Always keep the patient’s safety in mind. Never leave him unattended while he’s sitting or walking; evaluate his need for assistive devices, such as a cane or walker.
Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as hematocrit, serum electrolyte and drug levels, urinalysis, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray.
Patient teaching
The patient with diabetes or another condition that can lead to autonomic dysfunction should be made aware of the acute drop in blood pressure that can occur with positional changes. Inform the patient that, should the problem occur, he’ll need to avoid volume depletion and perform positional changes gradually instead of suddenly. (See Performing preambulation exercises, page 181.)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Pulsus paradoxus [Paradoxical pulse]:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for an echocardiogram to visualize cardiac motion and help determine the causative disorder. If a pulmonary embolus is suspected, prepare the patient for a ventilation/perfusion scan. A helical CT scan of the chest or pulmonary arteriogram may also be indicated. Also, monitor his vital signs and frequently check the degree of paradox. An increase in the degree of paradox may indicate recurring or worsening cardiac tamponade or impending respiratory arrest in severe COPD. Vigorous respiratory treatment, such as chest physiotherapy, may avert the need for endotracheal intubation.
Patient teaching
Provide information about the disorder and symptoms to immediately report to the physician. Teach the patient techniques to conserve energy and decrease oxygen demands on the body. Provide information on diagnostic tests and treatment for pulsus paradoxus, including probable oxygen therapy.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Pulse pressure, narrowed:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient about his disorder and its treatments. Explain any dietary and fluid restrictions. If fatigue is a problem, recommend rest periods throughout the day.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulse pressure, widened:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Ifthe patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) is decreased, and you suspect that his widened pulse pressure results from increased ICP, check his vital signs. Maintain a patent airway, and prepare to hyperventilate the patient with a handheld resuscitation bag to help reduce partial pressure of carbon dioxide levels and, thus, ICP. Perform a thorough neurologic examination to serve as a baseline for assessing subsequent changes. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale to evaluate the patient’s LOC. (See Glasgow Coma Scale, page 396.) Also, check cranial nerve function — especially in cranial nerves III, IV, and VI — and assess pupillary reactions, reflexes, and muscle tone. Insertion of an ICP monitor may be necessary. Check for edema and auscultate for murmurs.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulse, absent or weak:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient how to check his pulse. Advise him to call his health care provider if he has difficulty palpating or is unable to palpate a pulse. Explain the importance of following a low-sodium diet and maintaining fluid restrictions, if necessary. Discuss signs and symptoms of fluid overload to report to the health care provider. Teach the patient to avoid activities that reduce circulation, such as prolonged sitting and crossing the legs.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulsus paradoxus:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
A pulsus paradoxus may signal cardiac tamponade — a life-threatening complication of pericardial effusion that occurs when sufficient blood or fluid accumulates to compress the heart. When you detect pulsus paradoxus, quickly take the patient’s other vital signs. Check for additional signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, diaphoresis, jugular vein distention, tachycardia, narrowed pulse pressure, and hypotension. Emergency pericardiocentesis to aspirate blood or fluid from the pericardial sac may be necessary. Then evaluate the effectiveness of pericardiocentesis by measuring the degree of pulsus paradoxus; it should decrease after aspiration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Orthostatic hypotension:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If you detect orthostatic hypotension, quickly check for tachycardia, altered level of consciousness (LOC), and pale, clammy skin. If these signs are present, suspect hypovolemic shock. Insert a large-bore I.V. line for fluid or blood replacement. Take the patient’s vital signs every 15 minutes, and monitor his intake and output.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Pulse pressure, narrowed:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient closely for changes in the pulse rate or quality and for hypotension or diminished LOC.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic studies, such as echocardiography, to detect valvular heart disease or cardiac tamponade secondary to a pericardial effusion.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and its treatments.
▪ Discuss any food and fluid restrictions.
▪ Stress the importance of rest periods to reduce fatigue.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulse pressure, widened:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ If the patient displays increased ICP, continually evaluate his neurologic status.
▪ Be alert for restlessness, confusion, unresponsiveness, or decreased LOC.
▪ Watch for subtle changes in the patient's condition.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain diagnostic tests, such as blood studies, computed tomography scan, and magnetic resonance imaging.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulse, absent or weak:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs to detect untoward changes in his condition.
▪ Monitor weight, intake and output, and central venous pressure.
▪ Monitor pulses and limb appearances.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the signs and symptoms that require medical attention.
▪ Discuss activities to avoid that reduce circulation.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Pulsus paradoxus:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for an echocardiogram to visualize cardiac motion and to help determine the causative disorder.
▪ Monitor vital signs and frequently check the degree of paradox because an increase in the degree of paradox may indicate recurring or worsening cardiac tamponade or impending respiratory arrest in severe COPD.
▪ Provide respiratory treatments, such as chest physiotherapy, to avert the need for endotracheal intubation.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient about the underlying disorder and its treatments.
▪ Explain self-care techniques to the patient with COPD, such as pursed-lip, diaphragmatic breathing; coughing and deep-breathing exercises; and proper use of home oxygen equipment.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Orthostatic hypotension [Postural hypotension]:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor intake and output and weigh the patient daily.
▪ Elevate the head of the bed, and help the patient to a sitting position with feet dangling over the side of the bed; if tolerated, have him sit in a chair for brief periods.
▪ Evaluate the patient's need for assistive devices, such as a cane or walker.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as hemoglobin level and hematocrit, serum electrolyte and drug levels, urinalysis, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray.
Patient teaching
▪ Advise the patient to change his position gradually.
▪ Show the patient how to use the call bell and tell him to call for assistance when getting out of bed or a chair.
▪ Explain the importance of maintaining an adequate fluid intake.
▪ Explain prescribed medications and their adverse effects.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Blood pressure, decreased [Hypotension]:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Check the patient's vital signs frequently to determine if low blood pressure is constant or intermittent.
▪ If blood pressure is extremely low, assist in the insertion of an arterial catheter to allow close monitoring of pressures; alternatively, a Doppler flowmeter may be used.
▪ Prepare the patient for laboratory tests, which may include urinalysis, routine blood studies, an electrocardiogram, and chest, cervical, and abdominal X-rays or computed tomography scans.
▪ Administer fluid, blood products, and medication as ordered to improve blood pressure.
Patient teaching
▪ Advise the patient with orthostatic hypotension to stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position.
▪ For the patient with vasovagal syncope, discuss how to avoid triggers.
▪ Emphasize the importance of dangling the feet and rising slowly when getting out of bed.
▪ Explain diagnostic tests and procedures.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Low birth weight:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Initiate feedings as soon as possible and continue to feed the neonate every 2 to 3 hours.
▪ Provide gavage or I.V. nutrition for the sick or very premature neonate.
▪ Check abdominal girth daily or more frequently if indicated, and check stools for blood to detect necrotizing enterocolitis.
▪ Prepare for a sepsis workup if signs of infection are associated with low birth weight.
▪ Check the neonate's vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour and at least once every hour thereafter until his condition stabilizes.
▪ Be alert for changes in temperature or behavior, feeding problems, respiratory distress, or periods of apnea—possible indications of infection.
▪ Monitor blood glucose levels and watch for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as irritability, jitteriness, tremors, seizures, irregular respirations, lethargy, and a high-pitched or weak cry.
▪ If the neonate is receiving supplemental oxygen, carefully monitor arterial blood gas values and the oxygen concentration of inspired air to prevent retinopathy.
▪ Monitor the neonate's urine output by weighing diapers before and after voiding.
▪ Check urine color, measure specific gravity, and test for the presence of glucose, blood, or protein.
▪ Watch for changes in the neonate's skin color because increasing jaundice may indicate hyperbilirubinemia.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain disorder and all procedures and treatments to the parents.
▪ Encourage the parents to participate in their neonate's care to strengthen bonding.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions. Fortunately, it can be...
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can increase a person's risk of developing heart disease. Learn more about this syndrome and...
An ejection fraction is a measurement of the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat. Find out what the experts say are normal and...
We've all experienced stress at one time or another. Your heart rate goes up, your blood pressure rises, and every part of your body tenses up....
See full list of 17 related videos
» Next page: Doctors and Medical Specialists for Hypotension
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
