Question

Describe some patient teaching associated with starting antihypertensive medications.

Ex: take a daily BP reading before medications and

keep appointment with doctors

Focus on side effects of thiazide diuretics (patient teaching)

Answer 1

Taking of the drugs in the morning to maintain circadian rhythm.

Guiding the patient about side effects of various drugs.
Lifestyle changes in patients.
Reducing salt intake

Aerobic exercise

Stop smoking

Avoid alcohol

Avoid fatty foods

Monitoring of blood pressure by use of digital bp machine.

Side effects of thiazide are::

Thiazides can cause potassium deficiency since increased amounts of potassium are excreted in the urine. Thiazide diuretics also cause a decrease in urinary calcium excretion, meaning that more calcium stays in the body. Because of this, they may be the preferred treatment for people with high blood pressure and osteoporosis (a common problem that causes weakening and thinning of the bones).

Side effects are uncommon with low doses of thiazide diuretics. Weakness, muscle cramps, and other symptoms can occur as a result of decreased sodium, potassium, and water level. Other symptoms may include reversible impotence and gout attacks.