Hypertension is diagnosed by having a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, it may seem like a simple diagnosis but high blood pressure is a very serious condition. Hypertension is also known as the silent killer because of its limited and silent symptoms but with deadly consequences, it puts a person at high risk of heart disease and stroke by damaging the arteries. According to the CDC (2010), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and stroke is the fourth. High blood pressure also damages the kidneys over time; this can lead to kidney failure and require kidney transplant or dialysis in the future. High blood pressure is nothing to overlook, it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. “Fortunately, with treatment and lifestyle changes, high blood pressure can be controlled to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Patient History The patient, RA, was a 54-year-old African American female with a history of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, GERD, and hysterectomy. The RA was in the developmental stage of middle adulthood, generativity vs. stagnation. She was admitted to the emergency room with syncope. After speaking with the patient, she explained to me that she felt “shaky” and had difficulty walking and even speaking. He explained to me that it wasn't normal for him to stutter when he spoke. The patient underwent a brain MRI to diagnose her problem. It was confirmed that the patient had what the doctor called a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack). The TIA was most likely due to his uncontrolled hypertension and obesity. Nursing diagnosis The patient presented an ineffective management of her health related to her lack of knowledge and economy...... half of the document ...... specific to her life. Individualizing the teaching helped keep the conversation interesting and closely related to the patient. The patient liked the handout because it was simple and easy to understand. She also liked that it gave her examples of foods to eat and free tips on how to reduce sodium. If I ever have a patient with hypertension again, I will definitely use the Mayo Clinic DASH Diet flyer, it is easy to print and exceptionally patient friendly. Works Cited Ackley, B.J., & Ladwig, B.G. (2011). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Care Planning (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Moseby Elsevier.Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 18). Dangers of Hypertension: The Effects of High Blood Pressure on the Body. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressione/in-depth/high-blood-pressione/art-20045868