Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring as a Guide to Disease Management

Author

Monnie Adereti, The University of Texas at El Paso

Date of Award

5-2020

Degree Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing (ND)

Department

Nursing

Chair

Roberta Durk

Abstract

Background: Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. Hypertension is a medical condition that results from having blood pressure that is too high, and it is often referred to as a "silent killer." Most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include early morning headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.

Aim/Goal: The overall goal of this project was to implement the effectiveness of self monitoring of blood pressure and determine whether the findings improved disease management in hypertensive patients. It also sought to disseminate knowledge gained from evidence-based research into practice.

Methods: A DNP quality improvement project was conducted in 10 established patients with uncontrolled hypertension to self-monitor blood pressure for a duration of 4 weeks. Findings: More than 50% of participants admitted that their attitude towards disease treatment management changed as a result of self-monitoring of their blood pressure.

Recommended Citation

Adereti, Monnie, "Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring as a Guide to Disease Management" (2020). Cohort VIII. 7.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/cohort_8/7