Ngu Ralph Taboh ( HND BSN), SandaUmaru Adamu (BSN), Charles Mvondo(MD), Jean claude Ambassa (MD), Fanka Marcel (RN), Cabral Tantchou (MD), Ayong Hilary Gah (BSN)

Authors’ affiliations: Cardiac Centre - Saint Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital Shisong

Corresponding author: Ngu Ralph Taboh, Tel: (+237) 674-415-935, Email. Cette adresse e-mail est protégée contre les robots spammeurs. Vous devez activer le JavaScript pour la visualiser.

Abstract

Background: Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the 4th leading cause of death. Hypertension (HTN) is considered to be one of the most important risk factors for stroke. Post-stroke, a patient’s blood pressure (BP) may become difficult to manage. Some patients experience persistent HTN, some experience orthostatic hypotension, while others require a decrease in their anti-HTN medications.

Method: A nursing case study of a 48 year old male patient hospitalized at the cardiac center of Shisong hospital, and followed up for two weeks. The nursing care included routine vital signs and routine procedures, bed bath, bed sore prevention, and cross specialization.

Results: Persistent BP was decreasing as medications adjusted and patient adherence improved. Patient was able to move with the assistance of crutches, first degree bed sores were managed, enteral feeding was discontinued and patient able to feed self with assistance from care givers.    Our total hospitalization for 2016/2017 was 1983 with 160 (8.06%) representing CVA and HTN. Total mortality rate stood at 223, with 29 (13%) representing CVA and HTN.  

Conclusion: The nursing management of hypertension complicated by CVA in the cardiac center has witness over the last few years. Challenges have been in the area of increasing number of patients arriving at late stage of disease and limited human resources in terms of critical care nurses and physiotherapists.

Key words: Nursing management, severe hypertension, Cerebrovascular Accident