| Some patients may be admitted for the treatment of | | | | cholesterol should be avoided. Coffee, tea, kola nuts, |
| hypertensive crisis, control of complication or for the | | | | alcohol should be avoided or minimized. |
| establishment of a treatment regimen. When on | | | | 4. Physical care: Assist patient with physical care if |
| admission, here are some of the immediate cares that | | | | patient is very weak. Where there is blurred vision |
| the nursing team could give to the patient to aid his | | | | patient may require the use of medicated eye glasses. |
| speedy recovery: | | | | If there is bleeding from the nose (epistaxis) apply ice |
| 1. Observation: Vital signs should be checked 2 hourly | | | | pack to the bridge of the nose and back of the neck. |
| with emphasis on Blood pressure and pulse rate. | | | | When the ice pack cannot control bleeding the nose |
| Monitor patient's weight daily and keep proper record. | | | | may be packed. The pack should however be |
| This is to help detect oedema or weight loss. Check | | | | removed within few days. Make sure patient does not |
| for side effects of drugs e.g. orthostatic hypotension. | | | | lie on one side of his body for several days in bed. If |
| 2. Rest: Patient should be advised to avoid stress and | | | | he is to be admitted for days, his position should be |
| tension. He should therefore have physical and mental | | | | changed every 2-4 hours to prevent pressure sore |
| rest in order to conserve energy. Encourage moderate | | | | from developing. |
| exercise e.g. walking if there is no dyspnoea. Mild | | | | 5. Elimination: Constipation should be avoided because it |
| tranquilizers may be given to enable patient sleep. | | | | makes the patient strain at defecation thereby further |
| Should there be dizziness patient should be protected | | | | elevating the blood pressure. Food rich in fibre should |
| from falls and injury. | | | | be given to prevent constipation. Enough fluid should be |
| 3. Diet: Restrict sodium intake to about 4grams daily. | | | | given but adequate care has to be taken in order not |
| Give light, easily digestible diet. Fatty food and | | | | to overload the patient with fluid. Overloading with fluid |
| excessive carbohydrate that can increase weight and | | | | could pose its own problems to the patient. |