Hypertension Management at the VA Geriatric Clinic By Carmen Valdez & Fion Kung

Description of the VA Geriatric clinic The Geriatric clinic at the VA offers primary care for veterans between the ages of 85 or above. Most of the patients at VA have follow-up appointment and regular check ups. Examples: making sure that they are taking their medications, report any new medication change, or any side effects. Also we performed wound care, blood draw and foley catheters Preceptor roles: ADN, RN, BSN, MSN

Goal of SLP The goal of the Service Learning Project is to educate those patients with hypertension about how to manage the disease and to prevent any complications.

Rationale With this brochure patients will have more detailed information on things that they can do to help manage hypertension. They will also understand how this disease affects their health if left untreated.

Healthy People 2020 The objectives of Healthy People 2020 are: “to decrease the proportions of adults with hypertension”. “decrease the proportion of children and adolescents with hypertension”. “Increase the proportion of adults with hypertension whose blood pressure is under control”.

Relationship to Health People 2020 The goals of HP2020 and the SLP are to promote health by educating the population about hypertension.

Goals and Objectives Goals Patients will keep a blood pressure log with the blood pressure readings. Patients will take medications as ordered by the physician. Patients will consume 2 g of sodium daily. Patient will learn how smoking and drinking impact the blood pressure. Objectives After showing patients how to take their blood pressure, the patients will be able to demonstrate the steps. After explaining patients the importance of taking medications, the patients will take medication as ordered by the physician to maintain blood pressure within normal limits for the individual. After explaining patients the importance of diet modification, the patient will avoid can and fast foods, and limit alcohol consumption.

Modifications During the planning stage we did not make any modifications.

Brochure

Implementation The implementation was providing information of how to control hypertension through a brochure. This brochure talks about the modifiable and un-modifiable risk factors, treatment, and diet associated with hypertension. It also gives a brief description of hypertension. The outcome of untreated hypertension.

At this point we do not know the response of the participants due to the VA hospital policy. In the future we hope that the nurses present this brochure to the patients and educate them about hypertension. This SLP will have a positive impact on the patients because it will give them detailed information on hypertension.

Evidence-based research article According to Patience (2012) reducing salt intake will reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Also, nurses should inform patients about the recommended amount of sodium which is 2.4g/day.

According to CDC According to CDC (2013), hypertension increases the risks of atherosclerosis which causes a reduce blood flow in the heart and brain. Achieving a healthy body weight, getting 30 minutes of daily exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and eating more fruits and vegetables in daily diet decreases blood pressure. It is important that health care providers ask patients if they are taking their anti-hypertensive medications as directed by their physician.

References Patience, S. (2013). Understanding the relationship between salt intake and hypertension. Nursing Standard, 27(18), 45-47. CDC. (2013). When it Comes to Blood Pressure, Make Control Your Goal. Retrieved on July 10th, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HighBloodPressure/