Tutor profile: Nicole S.

How do ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients? What are the most common side effects to be concerned about?

ACE inhibitors work on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) which is the body's natural mechanism for controlling blood pressure. In normal circumstances, the kidneys release renin to increase blood pressure which then stimulates the liver to create angiotensin. Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II in the lungs which then goes on to work in different parts of the body to raise BP. ACE inhibitors stop angiotensin I from converting to angiotensin II in the lungs to disrupt the RAAS which then disrupts an increase in blood pressure. Common side effects of this medication include cough which makes since as this drug works in the lungs to stop the ACE enzyme from converting angiotensin. Another potential side effect is low blood pressure which is what the drug is aiming to do but too much of a good thing can have consequences. This medication may also cause an increase in potassium retention in the kidneys since the drug disrupts the RAAS system.

What would be an appropriate nursing diagnosis for a newly diagnosed type II diabetic who is morbidly obese and loves to eat sweets

Deficient knowledge of diagnosis would be a good place to start. Someone who is newly diagnosed with a chronic condition likely needs a lot of education and support to make lifestyle changes. This patient would also be at risk for blood sugar imbalance given their poor diet and weight, putting them at risk for diabetic complications. Nursing diagnoses should include both active problems and also problems that a patient may be at risk for. This allows the nurse to identify patient needs before they become problems.

What do the systolic and diastolic numbers of a blood pressure mean?

A systolic blood pressure measures the pressure of a person's arteries when the heart is pumping and the arteries are squeezing. This is why the systolic pressure is higher. Think "systolic" and "squeeze". The diastolic blood pressure is measuring the pressure of a person's arteries when the arteries are at rest.