Hypertensive Crisis

Joyce Smith is a patient currently in the hospital due to a hypertensive crisis. She suffers from Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and high cholesterol. She is anxious and angry due to being at the hospital. Joyce is currently in pain from a headache for which she really wants some medication.

Inpatient Hospital Room

1. Differentiate between hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency based on patient assessment and clinical data.
2. Conduct a focused assessment, including neurological status, cardiac and respiratory evaluation, and medication history.
3. Recognize symptoms of a hypertensive crisis
4. Interpret critical findings, such as blood pressure readings, ECG changes, and lab values
5. Administer and titrate antihypertensive medications safely per protocol and monitor for effectiveness and adverse effects.
6. Communicate effectively with the healthcare team using SBAR and initiate escalation if signs of end-organ damage are present.
7. Educate the patient on long-term blood pressure control, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence.

1. Accurately assess and recognize a hypertensive crisis and determine whether it is an urgency or emergency.
2. Implement timely and evidence-based interventions to lower blood pressure safely and protect end-organ function.
3. Monitor the patient closely for response to IV antihypertensives and signs of complications
4. Document assessments, interventions, and medication administration accurately in the EMR.
5. Provide patient-centered education about blood pressure management to prevent recurrence.