Introduction of a Modifiable Risk Factor
The patient has been diagnosed with renal failure. The modifiable risk factors of this disease include anemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic perturbations, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (Parikh et al., 2006). The present assignment shall focus on hypertension as a modifiable risk factor for kidney disease.
Important Findings in Milestone 1
- Patient’s paternal grandmother had high blood pressure;
- Patient’s father has high blood pressure;
- Patient’s paternal uncle was diagnosed with hypertension;
- Patient’s maternal grandfather had hypertension;
- The patient’s mother has hypertension.
Increased Risks for the Patient
- Hypertension may cause serious heart disease;
- Hypertension may lead to mild cognitive impairment;
- High blood pressure may cause kidney failure;
- Hypertension increases stroke possibility;
- High blood pressure may damage arteries.
Short-term and Long-term Goals
- Teaching the patient about increased risks;
- Instructing the patient about identifying the symptoms;
- Showing the methods of risk assessment;
- Eliminating the risks of hypertension;
- Allowing the patient to lead a risk-free life.
As can be seen from the introduction, the patient has a very high-risk factor for hypertension. The danger is increased by the family history on both sides (maternal and paternal). Additionally, the patient herself suffers from renal failure. To eliminate the risk factors, intervention related to the modifiable risk factor is needed.
Intervention
In order to sustain a positive lifestyle for the patient, intervention measures are suggested. When properly employed, these efforts will make it possible to eliminate the risk factors and improve the patient’s health state.
Intervention Description
- Regular screening for high blood pressure (Blood pressure in adults (hypertension), 2016);
- Evaluation for edema (swelling);
- Sustaining peaceful and positive environment for the patient;
- Maintaining relevant rates of physical activity;
- Assessment for extreme tiredness;
- Checking the skin (Vera, 2013);
- Keeping track of patient’s response to medication (Daskalopoulou et al., 2015).
Rationale Supporting the Use of Intervention
- Comparing the pressure rates gives a complete picture of the disease (Blood pressure in adults (hypertension), 2016);
- Moist and cool skin may indicate peripheral vasoconstriction;
- Edema may signify vascular impairment or heart failure;
- Tiredness signifies looming cardiac failure or poor ventricular function;
- Peaceful environment decreases sympathetic stimulation (Vera, 2013);
Intervention program aims at teaching the patient to evaluate the health risks and regularly check the health state. Successful implementation of the intervention program will lead to eliminating the patient’s health problems.
Evaluation
Method Used for Evaluating the Intervention
- The activity log will be used to assess the efficiency of intervention;
- Regular comparing the results will provide an assessment of intervention;
- The patient will be able to see the critical measurements;
- Stabilized blood pressure will be an indication of success;
- The absence of improvement will indicate the need for improved measures.
Desired Outcomes
- Patient’s participation in hypertension reducing activities;
- Sustaining blood pressure within the proper range;
- Patient’s demonstration of stable cardiac rhythm;
- Patient’s participation in stress prevention activities;
- Patient’s ability to decipher the problem and be able to take primary measures (Vera, 2013).
Additional Steps in Case of Unsuccessful Intervention
- If the program fails, a new approach will be needed;
- We will have to evaluate the failures;
- Other aspects will need to be investigated;
- Different medication should be proposed;
- New assessment criteria should be considered.
Evaluation of intervention is crucial as it will make it possible to see how beneficial the program is. If the results are high, the program can be considered successful and should be continued. If the results are not satisfactory, approaches should be changed to reach the best outcomes for the patient.
Summary
The patient teaching plan is an essential component of a person’s treatment program. When a patient knows how to assess and control the risk factors, he/she will be able to eliminate the negative issues and to maintain a better and fuller lifestyle. As the patient’s family history makes her susceptible to hypertension as a kidney disease risk factor, it is crucial to teach her about the preventative measures and evaluation of hypertension condition.
References
Blood pressure in adults (hypertension) (2016).
Daskalopoulou, S. S., Rabi, D. M., Zarnke, K. B., Dasgupta, K., Nerenberg, K., Cloutier, L., …Reid, D. (2015). The 2015 Canadian hypertension education program recommendations for blood pressure measurement, diagnosis, assessment of risk, prevention, and treatment of hypertension. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 31(5), 549-568.
Parikh, N. I., Hwang, S.-J., Larson, M. G., Meigs, J. B., Levy, D., & Fox, C. S. (2006). Cardiovascular disease risk factors in chronic kidney disease. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(17), 1884-1891.
Vera, M. (2013). 6 hypertension nursing care plans. NursesLabs.