Case Study of a Patient with Hypertension

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CASE STUDY During this case study the author aims to discuss a consultation that took place in clinical practice for the management of a patient with hypertension. Four management strategies will be discussed using current research and literature. Discussion of differential diagnoses, efficacy and cost effectiveness of management options, management choice, accountability, legal issues, ethics and concordance will be mentioned. Evidence will be supported with primary and secondary research. Past Medical History This was an observed consultation which took place in surgery with a GP. A 44yr old male who had previously been treated for a muscular problem was found to have a blood pressure of 165 systolic. BP remained elevated at subsequent visits despite monitoring at home. NMC (2008) recognise that patients have a right to have their confidentiality respected and for this purpose the patient shall be referred to as John Brown. John is a current smoker of 20-30 cigarettes per day and has an excessive alcohol intake; his weight is also at the upper end of a healthy range. He lives with his partner and is not taking any medication including over the counter products. He is known to his GP therefore a full medical history was not taken, however the importance of taking a medical history provides the practitioner with an overview of their past and current health issues, drug history, allergies, social history and any family history this helps to build a picture of their current lifestyle and aid accurate diagnosis and to avoid drug reactions (Allan 2008). Differential Diagnosis In order to diagnose and treat hypertension correctly BP should be measured in both arms (NICE 2011). Hypertension can be defined as a haemodynamic disorder. The major problem being raised levels of blood pressure causing a rise in peripheral resistance (Sever & Messerli,

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