TL;DR
Hypertension: Persistently elevated BP above 130/80 mmHg. Major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Hypertension
Definition
Persistently elevated BP above 130/80 mmHg. Major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Exam Focus Areas
On the Medical Assistant, Cna Nnaap, Nremt Paramedic exam(s), questions about hypertension typically test:
- Patient education and communication techniques
- Normal and abnormal laboratory values and their clinical significance
- Medical terminology, abbreviations, and coding systems
Practical Example
Clinical Procedure: Respirations measurement is relevant to hypertension.
Technique: Count without patient awareness (keep fingers on wrist), observe chest rise, count 30 sec x 2 or 60 sec if irregular
Normal values: Normal adult: 12-20/min. Tachypnea over 20, bradypnea under 12.
Troubleshooting
When hypertension does not go as expected, systematically review each step of the procedure. Check equipment calibration, verify technique, and repeat the measurement if results seem inconsistent with the clinical picture. Report discrepancies to the supervisor rather than guessing at the correct value.
Common Errors
Medical assistants must avoid these errors related to hypertension:
- Syncope: lower head, apply cool compress, do not leave unattended
- Hemolysis: redraw, often caused by vigorous mixing or small-gauge needle
- Nerve injury: remove needle immediately if patient reports shooting pain
- Failing to verify patient identity using two identifiers before any procedure
Why It Matters
Identification and staging tested on MA, CNA, and Paramedic exams.
Related Terms
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