Introduction
The issue of hypertension is rather important within the framework of nursing practice because the patients will hypertension represents one of the most vulnerable populations (Dasgupta et al., 2014). Therefore, there is a need to investigate this issue as soon as possible so as to gain access to the gaps and research and possible ways of solving the hypothetical complications that may adversely impact patient outcomes. Within the following subsections, the researcher will address the main elements of hypertension and provide a rationale for a new treatment methodology.
Definition
Hypertension is characterized by an increase in the blood pressure that is forced upon the blood vessels. This disease transpires in the cases when either heart is not strong enough or blood vessels are not as resilient as they should be (Dasgupta et al., 2014). Hypertension commonly has no symptoms and is often referred to as a silent killer.
Epidemiology
The rates of the patients affected by hypertension cannot be minimized due to the covert nature of this disease (Dasgupta et al., 2014). Nonetheless, the concept of epidemiology (when it comes to hypertension) heavily relies on the population at hand, and the location of the distribution. Generally, at least 20% of the population in the developed countries are affected by hypertension (Dasgupta et al., 2014). One of the main reasons for such high rates is patient noncompliance, and it will be discussed further in the paper.
Clinical Presentation
Hypertension is one of the most common diseases in the world. It may affect a rather extensive sample of patients of different ages, genders, and races. Its clinical significance consists in the fact that the majority of its symptoms may be mistaken for other diseases and the inability to come up with a correct diagnosis may lead to severe complications (Dasgupta et al., 2014).
Complications
Knowing that blood pressure is rather common and dangerous, the complications can be even more hazardous than their premises. One of the complications is the development of chronic heart disease (Kjeldsen et al., 2014). Also, hypertension may lead to unconditional strokes and heart malfunction. From the medical perspective, only a correct diagnosis may help the doctor prevent the development of a crucial impact on patients’ health.
Diagnosis
Based on the information presented above, it may be concluded that correct blood pressure measurement may become the key to a correct diagnosis (Kjeldsen et al., 2014). Throughout several weeks, the nurse should be responsible for several determinations. When the patients visit the doctor, they have to undertake at least three blood pressure readings that are taken two minutes apart (Kjeldsen et al., 2014). In order not to mistake hypertension for subclavian artery stenosis or coarctation of the aorta, it is vital to check blood pressure in both arms and one leg.
Conclusion with PICOT Question
In order to deal with non-compliant patients that have hypertension, the researcher expects to come up with a new treatment plan that involves the use of an updated treatment guideline that will shape a better possibility to apply the best treatment methods without distressing the most non-compliant patients. The outcomes of this intervention are expected to be positive and significantly different from the previous iterations. The researcher believes that the fact that patients will receive more education will positively affect their relations with nurses and help them understand the significance of following the premeditated treatment plan.
PICOT: Will noncompliant hypertensive patients (P) benefit from a new guideline that provides educational handout materials and required counseling sessions (I) compared to non-compliant patients who do not receive these interventions (C) by increasing compliance and improving blood pressure (O) within a documented one year of trending results with three-month follow-up intervals (T)?
References
Dasgupta, K., Quinn, R. R., Zarnke, K. B., Rabi, D. M., Ravani, P., Daskalopoulou, S. S.,… & Prebtani, A. (2014). The 2014 Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommendations for blood pressure measurement, diagnosis, assessment of risk, prevention, and treatment of hypertension. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 30(5), 485-501.
Kjeldsen, S., Feldman, R. D., Lisheng, L., Mourad, J. J., Chiang, C. E., Zhang, W.,… & Williams, B. (2014). Updated national and international hypertension guidelines: a review of current recommendations. Drugs, 74(17), 2033-2051.