NUR 326 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Orthostatic Hypotension, Beta Blocker, Cardiac Arrhythmia

• School: University of Alabama
• Department: Nursing
• Course: NUR 326
• Professor: Amy Beasley

Document Summary

American origin, and family history: secondary hypertension is related to renal disorders or endocrine disorder. The kidneys and blood vessels strive to regulate and maintain a normal blood pressure. The kidneys regulate blood pressure by the control of fluid volume (kidneys control sodium and water elimination/retention, which affects cardiac output and systemic arterial blood pressure) and the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system. Blood vessels constrict and dilate to control blood pressure. Hormones also play a role in blood pressure regulation: when the body senses low blood pressure by baroreceptors, catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are released vasoconstriction bp. With antihypertensives, an adverse effect can be orthostatic hypertension. Start with the lowest effective dose (start low and go slow) Blood pressure stage (mm hg) without compelling indication. Drug(s) for compelling indications with other agents as needed. Side effects: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, mental changes, impotence, depression. Contraindications: heart failure, bradycardia, heart block, cardiogenic shock.