Hypertension Nursing Care Plan
(NCLEX & Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide)
1. Overview of Hypertension
Hypertension is a chronic medical condition characterized by
persistently elevated arterial blood pressure, typically defined as
systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or diastolic ≥80 mmHg.
Hypertension significantly increases the risk of:
• Stroke
• Myocardial infarction
• Heart failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Vision loss
Hypertension is commonly called the “silent killer” because many
individuals remain asymptomatic until severe complications occur.
2. Nursing Assessment
Subjective Data
Patients may report:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
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Objective Data
• Elevated blood pressure readings
• Retinal changes
• Decreased kidney function
• Left ventricular hypertrophy
• Edema
3. Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests
Common diagnostic tests include:
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Lipid profile
• Serum creatinine
• Urinalysis
• Electrolyte levels
These tests help evaluate target organ damage.
4. Nursing Care Plan
Nursing Diagnosis 1
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion related to increased systemic vascular
resistance
Goal