Health Teachings

Before discharge instructions for continuing care are given to the patient and
the family or significant others. All instructions must not be given only verbally but
also in written so that the patient can refer to them later.
  Ensure that medications are well understood (Purposes,
mechanism, side effects, contraindications) before taking.
 Encourage the patient to procure medications and take it
M on time or as prescribed.
(medication)  Promote adherence to prophylactic and rehabilitative
measures on medications.

E  Regular exercise such as walking and running has been

(Environment) shown to decrease blood pressure and improve
cardiovascular well being thus decreasing cardiac
workload.

 Regular 30-minute sessions of exercise 3-4 times a week is

advised.
T  The primary goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure.
(Treatment) Measures to lower blood pressure and promote health must
be reiterated and emphasized such as diet modifications,
regular exercise, weight control and adherence to
medications.
H  Discuss the possible complications / effects of unmanaged
(Health hypertension as well as to discuss personal risk.
Teachings)  Explain that it takes 2-3 months for the taste buds to adjust
to changes in adult salt intake may help the patient adjust
to decreased salt intake.
 Patient should be informed that rebound hypertension and
heart failure can occur if antihypertensive medications are
suddenly stopped.
O  Encouraged to have regular visits to a hospital for follow-
(Out-Patient) up check up and monitoring of blood pressure and cardiac
functions.
 Emphasized significance of dietary modifications.
D  Specific diet recommendations include:
(Diet)
 A diet low in sodium to decrease fluid volume and
diminish the rennin-angiotensin system. The
recommended daily intake of sodium is 3-6 grams
of salt per day.
 High potassium diet. This causes vasodilation
mediated by nitric oxide in the vascular wall thus
reducing blood pressure.
 A diet rich fresh fruits and vegetables or high-fiber
diet.
 Low cholesterol diet as a prophylactic measure.
 Evasion from heavy alcohol consumption; not
more than 1-2 drinks per day.

 To ensure safety, patient must have a regular monitoring

S of his blood pressure because it varies continuously. This
(Safety) would also help to prevent impending heart failure.