Course Overview
This course is designed to equip Nurse Practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patients with hypertension, assess cardiovascular risks, and develop personalized treatment plans. Through a comprehensive case study, learners will explore the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, apply evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, and understand strategies for ongoing monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular events.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the pathophysiology of hypertension and its relationship with cardiovascular disease.
- Assess cardiovascular risk factors using appropriate tools and clinical evaluations.
- Develop individualized treatment plans for patients with hypertension based on the latest clinical guidelines.
- Apply lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments to effectively manage hypertension.
- Monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly to achieve optimal cardiovascular health.
- Educate patients on hypertension management, lifestyle changes, and adherence to therapy.
Course Duration
Total Time: 4 hours
Time Allocation:
- Module 1: Introduction to Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risks (30 minutes)
- Module 2: Assessing Cardiovascular Risk Factors (60 minutes)
- Module 3: Treatment Strategies for Hypertension Management (90 minutes)
- Module 4: Monitoring and Follow-Up Care (30 minutes)
- Quiz and Case Discussion: 30 minutes
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risks
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Introduction to Hypertension: Overview of hypertension, types, and classification.
- Cardiovascular Risks: Understanding the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
- Pathophysiology of Hypertension: The role of blood pressure regulation, vascular resistance, and renal function in hypertension.
Learning Activity:
Review the content on the pathophysiology of hypertension and its association with cardiovascular risks. Answer the following questions to reflect on the information:
- What are the primary causes of hypertension?
- How does hypertension contribute to cardiovascular diseases?
Module 2: Assessing Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Duration: 60 minutes
Content:
- Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Primary risk factors (e.g., age, family history) and secondary risk factors (e.g., obesity, smoking, diabetes).
- Risk Assessment Tools: Introduction to risk assessment models such as the Framingham Risk Score and ASCVD.
- Clinical Evaluations: Blood pressure measurement techniques, lab tests, and assessing patient history.
Learning Activity:
Review the provided case scenario of a patient with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Based on the risk factors and clinical evaluation, determine the patient’s cardiovascular risk level and propose a management plan.
Module 3: Treatment Strategies for Hypertension Management
Duration: 90 minutes
Content:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Diet (e.g., DASH), exercise, stress management, and weight loss.
- Pharmacologic Treatments: Overview of antihypertensive medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers).
- Comorbidity Management: Addressing hypertension in patients with diabetes, dyslipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Learning Activity:
Based on the patient’s hypertension severity and comorbid conditions, select the most appropriate medications from a list of antihypertensive drugs. Reflect on the rationale behind each choice and how it contributes to effective hypertension management.
Module 4: Monitoring and Follow-Up Care
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Techniques for accurate measurements and tracking progress over time.
- Follow-Up Visits: Scheduling visits, adjusting treatment based on patient response, and setting goals.
- Patient Education: Educating patients on medication adherence, recognizing symptoms, and lifestyle changes.
Learning Activity:
Review the follow-up care plan for a patient with hypertension. Develop an action plan for adjusting medication, monitoring blood pressure, and supporting long-term cardiovascular health.
Quiz and Case Review
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Complete the quiz assessing your understanding of hypertension management, cardiovascular risk assessment, and treatment options.
- Review the entire case study and reflect on the management steps taken. Ensure you understand the reasoning behind each clinical decision.