CASE STUDY

IN
HEAD NURSING

GERALDINE R BALMORES
(NR-41)

Dr. Ben de Paz

(clinical instructor)

INTRODUCTION
Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms that will prompt a person to seek
medical care. The term dizziness is difficult to understand since it means different things
to different people. It is either the sensation of feeling lightheaded as if the individual is
weak and will pass out, or it describes vertigo or the sensation of spinning, as if the
affected person just got off a merry-go-round.
Lightheadedness is often caused by a decrease in blood supply to the brain, while
vertigo may be caused by disturbances of the inner ear and the balance centers of the
brain. It is important that the health care professional understand the complaint the
person is experiencing
Dizziness, lightheadedness, and the feeling of passing out is a common complaint in
people who have low blood pressure. When the blood pressure is too low, not enough
oxygen-rich blood is being delivered to the brain, and its function can be affected. If the
brain's blood supply is decreased too much, the person may pass out (syncope).
Symptoms may worsen when changing position from lying down or sitting, to standing
up.
In addition to feeling dizzy, associated symptoms may include: Sweating Weakness
Nausea and vomiting Shortness of breath Chest pain
High blood pressure is termed a silent killer because it usually does not have
symptoms but can cause significant cardiovascular and organ damage. The only way
to know if you have high blood pressure is to get tested. High blood pressure can be
controlled with lifestyle changes and medications. Uncontrolled high blood pressure
can lead to life threatening medical condition
In about 10% of people, high blood pressure is caused by another medical condition. This is
termed secondary hypertension. Conditions that can cause high blood pressure include kidney
disease, adrenal gland tumors, coarctation of the aorta (being born with a narrowed aorta),
pregnancy, using birth control pills, alcohol abuse, and thyroid dysfunction. In most cases, if the
source of secondary hypertension is treated, blood pressure can return to normal.
In about 90% of people, the cause of high blood pressure is not known. This is termed primary
hypertension. Many risk factors are associated with primary hypertension.
High blood pressure usually does not have symptoms. High blood pressure has been termed a
silent killer because although people may not have symptoms, progressive damage can occur
to the heart, blood vessels, and other organs. People can have high blood pressure for years
and not know it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood
pressure checked.

Some people can lower their blood pressure with lifestyle changes including weight loss,
exercise, and dietary changes. You should work towards achieving and maintaining your ideal
weight. Even a small weight loss is beneficial. It is helpful to eat low fat, low calorie, low
cholesterol, high fiber, and low salt foods. You should eliminate using table salt. The Dietary
Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a guide for people with high blood pressure.
You should quit smoking and avoid alcohol. If making lifestyle changes are difficult for you, your
doctor can refer you to resources for assistance and support.
Medications to treat high blood pressure may also be used along with lifestyle changes. There
are many prescription medications that work in different ways to treat high blood pressure. Your
medication or dose may need to be changed over time.It is very important that you take your
medications according to your doctors instructions. You should take your medication as
directed, even if you feel better. It is also important to monitor your blood pressure per your
doctors instructions. You should make and keep all of your doctor appointments.
The prognosis is usually good for high blood pressure that is controlled. You may need to take
medication for the rest of your life, unless you can lower your blood pressure with significant
lifestyle changes. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to life threatening medical
complications. It is helpful to reverse the risk factors for high blood pressure that you can
control. Some people can control or prevent high blood pressure with healthy lifestyle choices.
It is helpful to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise is important.
You should quit smoking and not use alcohol or illegal drugs. It is helpful to eat low fat, low
calorie, low cholesterol, high fiber, and low salt foods. You should eliminate using table salt. The
DASH diet has helpful food guidelines for people with high blood pressure.It is important to take
all of your medications as directed, even if you feel fine. Monitor your blood pressure per your
doctors instructions. You should make and keep all of your doctors appointments.

NURSING HISTORY

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

A case of RF, 52 years old, F, single, roman catholic, she is a high school graduate.
Currently residing at district 5.
Admission Data
The patient was admitted at Ospital ng Maynila medical Center on february 25,2014. at
around 9:00 am. The client is conscious and coherent via stretcher and she was accompanied
by her husband with a chief complaint of dizziness and high blood pressure.
Present Illness
1 day prior to admission while the client is watching television she felt chest pain. Her
niece took her BP 170/100 mmhg. She took CATOPRIL 5mg to lower her BP and she ate garlic
to relieve and comfort her feeling. 3hours prior to admission her bp was constant and high . Her
feeling was worsen and she experienced dizziness . and when she can't tolerate the pain her
husband rushed her at Ospital ng Maynila
Past Medical History
The client was admitted at Ospital ng Maynila due to HEART ENLARGEMENT and
HYPERTENSION at the year 2013. the client have maintenance for HYPERTENSION, the client
has no food and drugs allergies.

Family History
.
JF 67Y/O

JF 69 Y/O

67

The mother and her eldest sister was dead. Her 2 sister have hypertension.
And her father and 4 brothers and 4 sisters are apparently well.