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STU Module 2 Hypertension & Teaching Points of Antihypertensive Drugs Discussion

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Introduction:
The therapeutic actions of drugs affecting blood pressure, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, and sympathetic nervous system drugs, play a crucial role in managing hypertension. Understanding these actions and their effects is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly advanced practice nurses, who are responsible for updating the plan of care for nursing home patients with hypertension. Additionally, it is vital to provide comprehensive teaching points to patients receiving antihypertensive drugs to enhance their adherence to medication regimens and overall cardiovascular health.

Answer:
1. Therapeutic actions of drugs affecting blood pressure:

a) Diuretics: These drugs promote diuresis, leading to increased urinary excretion of sodium and water. By reducing blood volume, diuretics decrease preload and ultimately lower blood pressure.

b) ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. They effectively reduce blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance and inhibiting aldosterone secretion, resulting in vasodilation and decreased fluid retention.

c) ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers): ARBs block the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors, thus preventing vasoconstriction. Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs result in vasodilation and reduced aldosterone secretion, effectively lowering blood pressure.

d) CCBs (Calcium Channel Blockers): CCBs inhibit the entry of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells, leading to arterial vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance. This results in decreased blood pressure and improved blood flow to various organs.

e) Sympathetic nervous system drugs: These drugs target the adrenergic receptors, reducing sympathetic outflow and dampening the sympathetic response. By decreasing heart rate and cardiac output, sympathetic nervous system drugs lower blood pressure.

2. Important teaching points for patients receiving antihypertensive drugs:

a) Adherence: Emphasize the importance of taking medications as prescribed and not skipping doses. Educate patients about the risks of uncontrolled hypertension and the benefits of consistent medication use for long-term blood pressure management.

b) Lifestyle modifications: Encourage patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, weight management, reduced sodium intake, limited alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation. These lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and enhance the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications.

c) Side effects and monitoring: Inform patients about potential side effects of antihypertensive drugs, such as dizziness, fatigue, headache, and dry cough. Discuss the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, both at home and during medical appointments, to evaluate the drug’s effectiveness and detect any adverse effects.

d) Drug interactions: Educate patients about potential drug interactions with antihypertensive medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and certain foods. Advise them to inform healthcare providers about all medications they are taking to avoid potentially harmful interactions.

e) Importance of follow-up: Stress the need for regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers to assess blood pressure control, adjust medication dosages if needed, and address any concerns or questions.

By addressing these teaching points, healthcare professionals can empower patients to actively participate in the management of their hypertension and optimize their blood pressure control.