Component Task: Home Visit to a Client with Hypertension

This is a visit made by the Public /Community health nurse to a hypertensive client at home.

Aims

·         Provide continuous care to client and family

·         Counsel/educate client and family on management of the condition

·         Counsel client on adherence to treatment to prevent complications

·         Encourage lifestyle modification including diet, exercise, alcohol intake etc.

Types

·         Special

·         Routine

Requirements

·         Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag

·         Map of the area/community

·         Records of the client manually/electronically

·         Register of the area/community

·         Arrange for transportation

Steps

1.      Read map of the community

2.      Knock, enter, greet and introduce self

3.      Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment

4.      Explain the purpose of the visit

5.      Enquire about the general health of client and relatives

6.      Assist client to identify health needs

7.       Check and use items in the home visit bag

8.      Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique

9.      Examine client for oedema of feet, legs and sacral regions

10.    Check Blood Pressure (BP) and compare with the previous one (if available)

11.      Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique and counsel client according to findings

12.    Counsel client on:

·         The need to take prescribed drugs accordingly

·         Healthy diet and exercise

·         Personal health

13.    Remind client on review

14.    Ask client for concerns and counsels accordingly

15.    Thank client and relatives and schedule for the next visit

16.    Record and report findings manually/electronically