NRS-490 Individual Success PlanREQUIRED PRACTICE HOURS 100P.docx

NRS-490 Individual Success Plan
REQUIRED PRACTICE HOURS: 100
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Complete Contact Information
Student Information
GCU
Name:
Tania Gonzalez Diaz
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone Number:
786-269-1606

Course Faculty Information
GCU
Name:
Melissa Reedy
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone Number:
Practicum Mentor Information
Practice Setting
Name:
Lourdes Aleman
E-mail:
[email protected]
Phone Number:
305-300-5165
MOU signed & uploaded to Instructor in LoudCloud via
Individual Forum
Yes ► ☒
No ► ☐
If no, is an existing Affiliation Agreement on file? _____

ISP Instructions
Use this form to develop your Individual Success Plan (ISP) for
NRS-490, the Professional Capstone and Practicum course. An
individual success plan maps out what you, the RN-to-BSN
student, needs to accomplish in order to be successful as you
work through this course and complete your overall program of
study. You will also share this with your mentor at the
beginning and end of this course so that he or she will know
what you need to accomplish.
Application-based learning assignments are listed in the course
syllabus with a Practice Portfolio Statement requirement
element noted within the assignment itself. In order for you to
successfully complete and graduate from the RN-to-BSN
Program you must meet the following programmatic
requirements: (1) completion of 100 practice immersion hours,
and (2) completion of work associated with all program
competencies.
In this ISP, you will identify all of the objectives, tasks, and/or
assignments relating to the 100 practice immersion hours you
need to complete by the end of this course. Specify the dates by
which you will complete each tasks and/or assignments. Your
plan should include a self-assessment of how you met all
applicable GCU RN-to-BSN Domains & Competencies (see
Appendix A).
ALL course assignments listing a "Practice Hours Portfolio"
statement must be included in the ISP and are worth and
recorded here as approximately 10 hours each. Actual clock
hours must be recorded on this time log. General Requirements
Use the following information to ensure successful completion
of each assignment as it pertains to deliverables due in this
course:
· Use the Individual Success Plan to develop a personal plan for
completing your practice immersion hours and self-assess how
you will meet the GCU RN-to-BSN University Mission Critical
Competencies and the Programmatic Domains & Competencies
(Appendix A) related to that course.

Show all of the major deliverables in the course, the
topic/course objectives that apply to each deliverable, and
lastly, align each deliverable to the applicable University
Mission Critical Competencies and the course-specific Domains
and Competencies (Appendix A).
Completing your ISP does not earn practice hours, nor does
telephone conference time, or time spent with your mentor.
· Within the Individual Success Plan, ensure you identify all
course assignments which may include the following:
Memorandums of Understanding (MOU)(if Affiliation
Agreement is not required); comprehensive log of practice
immersion hours applied to baccalaureate level learning
outcomes; evaluations from faculty and mentors; your
evaluations of your mentor; scholarly activity report;
competency self-assessment (part of your ISP); reflective
journal (Submitted in Week 10 but covering all weeks in the
course); course goals and plan for how competencies and
practice immersion hours will be met; and both faculty and
mentor approvals of course goals and documented practice
immersion hours.
Application-based Learning Course Assignments
List of Current Course Objectives
Number of Clock Hours Associated with Each Assignment
Assignment
Date Due
Self-Assessment:
GCU RN-to-BSN
University Mission Critical Competencies and
Programmatic Domains & Competencies
(see Appendix A)
Date
Assignment
Completed
Week One

Professional Capstone and Practicum Documentation
Individual Success Plan
Professional Capstone and Practicum Reflective Journal and
Scholarly Activities
1. Identify problems, issues, and opportunities to improve
patient care, patient outcomes, and organizational procedures
within a clinical practice setting.
2. Examine a health care clinical problem or an organization
issue and its implications to nursing practice.
3. Determine evidence-based solutions that address patient-care
or clinical practice quality problems or issues.
4. Analyze health care clinical problems and organizational
issues utilizing the PICO(T) process
5. Demonstrate values consistent with the role of a nursing
professional through fundamental knowledge and advanced
skills.
10 hours
November 19, 2017
MC1: Effective Communication: Therapeutic communication is
central to baccalaureate nursing practice. Students gain an
understanding of their ethical responsibility and how verbal and
written communication affects others intellectually and
emotionally. Students begin to use nursing terminology and
taxonomies within the practice of professional and therapeutic

communication. Courses require students to write scholarly
papers, prepare presentations, develop persuasive arguments,
and engage in discussion that is clear, assertive, and respectful
November 19, 2017
Week Two
Capstone Project Topic Selection and Approval
Topic 2 Practice Hours Completion Statement
1. Identify problems, issues, and opportunities to improve
patient care, patient outcomes, and organizational procedures
within a clinical practice setting.
2. Examine a health care clinical problem or an organization
issue and its implications to nursing practice.
3. Determine evidence-based solutions that address patient-care
or clinical practice quality problems or issues.
4. Analyze health care clinical problems and organizational
issues utilizing the PICO(T) process
5. Demonstrate values consistent with the role of a nursing
professional through fundamental knowledge and advanced
skills.
10 hours
November 26, 2017
MC2: Critical Thinking: Courses require students to use critical
thinking skills by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating
scientific evidence needed to improve patient outcomes and
professional practice

MC4:Global Awareness, Perspectives, and Ethics: The concept
of global citizenship is introduced to baccalaureate students in
the foundational curriculum. Some courses will focus on the
human experience across the world health continuum. The
World Health Organization (WHO) definitions of health, health
disparities, and determinants of health are foundational to
nursing practice
Domain 1: Professional Role
Graduates of Grand Canyon University’s RN-BSN program will
be able to incorporate professional values to advance the
nursing profession through leadership skills, political
involvement, and life-long learning.
Competencies:
1.1:Exemplify professionalism in diverse health care settings.
1.2:Manage patient care within the changing environment of the
health care system.
1.3:Exercise professional nursing leadership and management
roles in the promotion of patient safety and quality care.
1.4:Participate in health care policy development to influence
nursing practice and health care.
1.5:Advocate for autonomy and social justice for individuals
and diverse populations.
Domain 5: Holistic Patient Care
be able to provide holistic individualized care that is sensitive
to cultural and spiritual aspects of the human experience.
Competencies:
5.1:Understand the human experience across the health-illness
continuum.
5.2:Assess for the spiritual needs and provide appropriate
interventions for individuals, families, and groups.
5.3:Provide culturally sensitive care.
5.4:Preserve the integrity and human dignity in the care of all
patients.

November 26, 2017
Week Three
PICOT Statement Paper
1. Evaluate evidence-based research and other appropriate
resources to inform the development of a change plan.
2. Identify strategies for logistical implementation of proposed
solutions.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate levels of evidence into a
concise format.
4. Integrate evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional
perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing,
and evaluating outcomes of care.
10 hours
December 3, 2017
professional practice
Domain 2: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
have acquired a body of nursing knowledge built on a
theoretical foundation of liberal arts, science, and nursing
concepts that will guide professional practice.
Competencies:
2.1:Incorporate liberal arts and science studies into nursing
knowledge.
2.2:Comprehend nursing concepts and health theories.
2.3:Understand and value the processes of critical thinking,

ethical reasoning, and decision making.
December 3, 2107
Week Four
Literature Evaluation Table
1. Evaluate evidence-based research and other appropriate
resources to inform the development of a change plan.
2. Identify strategies for logistical implementation of proposed
solutions.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate levels of evidence into a
concise format.
4. Integrate evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional
perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing,
and evaluating outcomes of care.
10 hours
December10, 2017
professional practice.
Competencies:

knowledge.
December 10, 2017
Week Five
1. Identify objectives, strategy, and measurable outcomes of the
evidence-based practice proposal.
2. List steps needed to implement each strategy in a change
proposal.
3. Outline the resources needed to develop and implement a
change proposal.
4. Describe methods for obtaining necessary support from key
stakeholders.
5. Develop a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the change
proposal project.
6. Evaluate the role of information sources and technologies
impacting the delivery of care within an adequate environment
of care.
7. Develop appropriate change plans that promote health and
prevent disease.
10 hours
December 17, 2017

nursing practice
Domain 3: Nursing Practice
be able to utilize the nursing process to provide safe quality
care based on nursing best practices.
Competencies:
3.1:Utilize the nursing process to provide safe and effective
care for patients across the health-illness continuum: promoting,
maintaining, and restoring health; preventing disease; and
facilitating a peaceful death.
3.2:Implement patient care decisions based on evidence-based
practice.
3.3:Provide individualized education to diverse patient
populations in a variety of health care settings.
3.4:Demonstrate professional standards of practice.

December 17, 2017
Week Six
Literature Review
1. Identify objectives, strategy, and measurable outcomes of the
evidence-based practice proposal.
2. List steps needed to implement each strategy in a change
proposal.
3. Outline the resources needed to develop and implement a
change proposal.
4. Describe methods for obtaining necessary support from key
stakeholders.
5. Develop a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the change
proposal project.
6. Evaluate the role of information sources and technologies
impacting the delivery of care within an adequate environment
of care.
7. Develop appropriate change plans that promote health and
prevent disease.
10 hours
December 24, 2017

nursing practice.
Competencies:
practice.
Domain 4: Communication/Informatics
be able to manage information and technology to provide safe
quality care in a variety of settings. In addition, graduates will
be able to communicate therapeutically and professionally to
produce positive working relationships with patients and health
care team members.
Competencies:
4.1:Utilize patient care technology and information management
systems.
4.2:Communicate therapeutically with patients.
4.3:Professionally communicate and collaborate with the
interdisciplinary health care teams to provide safe and effective
care.

December 24, 2017
Week Seven
1. Identify methods to evaluate a proposed solution.
2. Describe variables and outcomes to be assessed pre- and
post-project implementation.
3. Utilize appropriate tools such as basic statistics to evaluate
project outcomes.
4. Summarize plans for disseminating evidence.
5. Use communication and collaboration skills to deliver high-
quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care.
10 hours
January 14, 2018
and engage in discussion that is clear, assertive, and respectful.

care team members.
Competencies:
systems.
care
January 14, 2018
Week Eight
1. Identify methods to evaluate a proposed solution.
2. Describe variables and outcomes to be assessed pre- and
post-project implementation.
3. Utilize appropriate tools such as basic statistics to evaluate
project outcomes.
4. Summarize plans for disseminating evidence.
5. Use communication and collaboration skills to deliver high-
quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care.
10 hours
January 21, 2018

care team members.
Competencies:
systems.
care.
January 21, 2018
Week Nine
Benchmark-Capstone Project Change Proposal
1. Produce a comprehensive and professional change initiative
presentation.

2. Integrate acquired knowledge and skills into professional
practice.
3. Examine the implementation of evidence-based research in
nursing practice.
4. Analyze research findings for the enhancement of evidence-
based practice in the clinical setting.
5. Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making in the
provision of high-quality nursing care in a collaborative
interprofessional setting.
6. Analyze the impact of organizational and environmental
factors on health care delivery and practice.
7. Demonstrate leadership and communication skills to
effectively implement change initiatives for nursing practice.
10 hours
January 28, 2018
MC5: Leadership: Students will apply a Christian worldview
within a global society and examine ethical issues from the
framework of a clearly articulated system of professional
values. Students will engage in discussion of values-based
decisions made from a Christian perspective

Competencies:
health care system.
January 28, 2018
Week Ten
Benchmark-Professional Capstone and Practicum Reflective
Journal
Scholarly Activities
1. Produce a comprehensive and professional change initiative
presentation.
2. Integrate acquired knowledge and skills into professional
practice.
3. Examine the implementation of evidence-based research in
nursing practice.
4. Analyze research findings for the enhancement of evidence-
based practice in the clinical setting.
5. Apply leadership concepts, skills, and decision making in the

provision of high-quality nursing care in a collaborative
interprofessional setting.
6. Analyze the impact of organizational and environmental
factors on health care delivery and practice.
7. Demonstrate leadership and communication skills to
effectively implement change initiatives for nursing practice.
10 hours
February 4, 2018
decisions made from a Christian perspective.
Competencies:
health care system.

February 4, 2018
By typing in his/her signature below, the student agrees to have
read, understood, and be accountable for the instructions,
assignments, and hours shown above and that all questions have
been satisfactorily answered by the faculty and/or program
director.
Mentors will sign upon initial receipt and at the end of the
course to confirm that assignments have been complete with
your guidance.
Student Signature
Name:
Tania Gonzalez Diaz
Date:
11/18/17
Mentor Signature [Upon Initiation of Course]
Name:
Lourdes Aleman
Date:
305-300-5165
Mentor Signature [Upon Completion of Course]
Name:
Date:

© 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
APPENDIX A:
GCU RN-to-BSN Domains & Competencies
A. University’s Mission Critical Competencies
How does this Individual Success Plan support the GCU
Mission?
MC3: Christian Worldview: Students will apply a Christian
worldview within a global society and examine ethical issues
from the framework of a clearly articulated system of
professional values. Students will engage in discussion of
values-based decisions made from a Christian perspective.
nursing practice.

decisions made from a Christian perspective.
B. Domains and Competencies
How does this Individual Success Plan support the Program
Domains and Competencies?
Competencies:
health care system.
Competencies:
knowledge.

Competencies:
practice.
care team members.
Competencies:
systems.
care.
Domain 5: Holistic Patient Care
be able to provide holistic individualized care that is sensitive
to cultural and spiritual aspects of the human experience.
Competencies:

5.1:Understand the human experience across the health-illness
continuum.
5.2:Assess for the spiritual needs and provide appropriate
interventions for individuals, families, and groups.
5.3:Provide culturally sensitive care.
5.4:Preserve the integrity and human dignity in the care of all
patients.
Scholarly Activity Summary
This document describes the scholarly activity elements that
should be included in a five paragraph summary. You may use
this resource to help guide the preparation of the Scholarly
Activities assignment, due in Topic 10.
Overview
This section consists of a single paragraph that succinctly
describes the scholarly activity that you attended/participated
in, the target market for the activity, and the benefit of the
activity to you.
Problem
This section consists of either a short narrative or a list of
bullet points that concisely identifies the problems the scholarly
activity is designed to solve. Educate: What is the current state
of the activity topic? Explain why this is a problem, and for
whom is it a problem? Inspire: What could a nurse achieve by
participating in the scholarly activity? Use declarative sentences
with simple words to communicate each point. Less is more.
Solution
This section consists of either a short paragraph or a list of

bullet points that concisely describes the solution to a proposed
practice problem that the scholarly activity addressed and how
it addresses the problem outlined in the previous section.
Opportunity
This section consists of short paragraphs that define the
opportunity that the scholarly activity is designed to capture. It
is important to cover the objectives and goals that were met.
How will attending/participating in this scholarly activity help
you grow as a nurse?
Program Competencies Addressed
This section consists of a list of program competencies that
were addressed in this scholarly activity. Please use the list
from the ISP.
Running head: PICOT STATEMENT PAPER
1
PICOT STATEMENT PAPER
2
PICOT Statement Paper: Problem of Hypertension

Student’s Name: Idalmis Espinosa
Institution: Grand Canyon University
Date: 12/03/2017
Practice Problem/Issue and PICOT Question
Hypertension adds to the passing of many individuals all
through the world, yet there is as yet poor administration of the
condition. Setting up compelling control measures could
essentially control the quantity of passings around the world. To
control and administration hypertension successfully, it is
imperative to recognize and deal with the way of life hazard
factors related with the condition as that brings down
circulatory strain. What's more, it is crucial to perform standard
screening, discussing adequately with patients, checking
patients all the time, and holding fast to treatment. Specifically,
it is conceivable to avert and control the condition viably
through way of life changes (slim down and frequently
captivating in work out) as these serves to altogether direct
pulse (Dua et al,2014). Evidenced based solution for patients
with hypertension is to lower DBP and SBP below levels in
which medication will be started. There should be an alternative
drug from a different class to take care of a patient.
PICOT Question

For male grown-ups between the ages of 40 and 70 with
hypertension, and with various co-morbidities, will the
adjustment in way of life (drawing in routinely in exercise and
eating more beneficial and adjusted suppers), contrasted with
patients who utilize prescription to treat/deal with their
hypertension, help to control their pulse and diminish the
danger of creating cardiovascular illnesses in their recuperation
period inside a half year. The period will be sufficiently long to
make a patient to be capable not to experience the ill effects of
hypertension and to likewise lessen the dangers that the people
will ordinarily go through(Howes,2013).
Intervention
The primary technique for intercession for a patient with
hypertension it is with no uncertainty to put them under
prescription, so they can get cured. That is the most secure path
as it will influence the patient to have the capacity to deal with
themselves as far as how they to think, what they eat and even
the exercises that they attempt to participate in (Dua et
al,2014). The age of the patients will likewise imply that the
patients are given solution that can manage them in the most
helpful ways and which they can acknowledge all in all. The
medication that can be given for this situation is one that can
decrease the cruelty of a medication. The nursing intervention

for patients with hypertension is assessing the headache pains
that a patient is experiencing and checking the blurred vision in
every four hours until it goes away. Another nursing
intervention is for a nurse to educate a patient on how they
consult with their doctor before medication is stopped.
Comparison
The fundamental contrasting option to contrast with the
mediation will have with do with influencing the patient to get
the opportunity to do a considerable measure of activities. That
is one thing that will make the licenses to have the capacity to
manage the issue of hypertension and since practices have been
demonstrated that they work, it will then be simple for the
patient to recuperate from the hypertension and what will imply
that they will get cured from such an infirmity. Toward the end,
all will have ended up being sure as the patient will have the
capacity to get the coveted medication(Howes,2013). Patient
care to those with hypertension is to first educate, measure the
blood pressure and even give advice Education will entail
modifying the behavior of a patient which is related to smoking,
alcohol intake and how to manage stress.
Outcome

In this exploration and managing a patient, it is with most likely
that there are things that are being tended to and which are there
to have the capacity to manage the way a patient gets the chance
to react to pharmaceutical or even exercise. The cerebral pains
that are regularly seen in patients with antagonistic
hypertension combined with the measure of considerations are
the conditions that are to be wiped out in the patients that have
hypertension. The numerous unfavorable occasions in the
patients will get diminished because of the patients having the
capacity to be under pharmaceutical or notwithstanding sharing
in practices that are useful for their wellbeing (Dua et al,2014).
Healthcare agency for caring for patients with hypertension can
be the likes of Intrepid USA Healthcare Services which gives
Hypertension Management Program that helps patients get and
have a maintained blood pressure that is healthy. Nursing
practice for patients with hypertension will be the likes of
minimizing the cost of therapy, including a patient in making of
decision and even implementation of treatment plans step by
step.
References
Dua, S., Bhuker, M., Sharma, P., Dhall, M., & Kapoor, S.
(2014). Body Mass Index Relates. to Blood Pressure Among
Adults. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(2), 89–

95. http://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.127751
Howes, F., Warnecke, E., &Nelson, M. (2013). Barriers to
lifestyle risk factor assessment and management in
hypertension: A qualitative study of Australian general
practitioners. Journal of Human Hypertension, 27, 474-478
doi:10.1038/jhh.2013.9
RUNNING HEAD: HYPERTENSION1
Review: Treatment of Hypertension
Student’s Name: Idalmis Espinosa
Institution-Affiliated: Grand Canyon University
Date: 12/24/17
Introduction
Hypertension, also known as high blood disease pressure is a

serious condition that ultimately results in damaging of blood
vessels leaving an individual prone to heart attack, stroke, and
other conditions. Various factors increase the likelihood of
developing the disease they include obesity, consumption of a
lot of salt, diabetes, smoking, alcohol intake among others.
Globally, hypertension results in the death of millions of
people, but with the right administration, the mortality rates can
be reduced. Treatment of hypertension is diverse including
lifestyle changes and treatment through drug therapy.
Medication entails various drugs ranging from thiazide
diuretics, Beta blockers, Angotenism- Converting enzymes
(ACE), Calcium Channel Blockers among others. Lifestyle
approach in the treatment of hypertension involves intake of
healthy diets, quitting smoking, physical exercise, reducing
alcohol intake, among others (Khatib, 2012).
A Comparison of the Research Questions
Comparison falls into either a patient with hypertension using
drugs to treat the hypertension or a lifestyle approach. Lifestyle
modification is a crucial long-term step in the management of
hypertension even in the presence of drug therapy and may
reduce or even reduce the need for anti-hypertensive drugs.
Also, lifestyle changes in the management of high blood
pressure can be essential in treating other chronic illness.
Lifestyle changes include eating dietary approaches which
involve developing a healthy pattern as well as reducing salt

intake. Furthermore, quitting smoking assists in reducing
cardiovascular risks while reduced alcohol consumption results
to lower systolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
Physical exercise is critical in lowering systolic blood pressure
(Huang, Duggan, & Harman, 2006). In contrast, patients can use
drug therapy in the treatment of hypertension and help avoid
cardiovascular within half a year. Diuretics are the most utilized
drugs in the treatment of hypertension; the original anti-
hypertensive drugs are vital in lowering the blood pressure and
increasing the effectiveness of other antihypertensive agents.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Blockers, Calcium Channel
Blockers, Beta Blockers are also used in the treatment of
diabetes (Williams, Lawerence, Fanorow, & Go, 2010).
A comparison of sample populations
The sample population entails male grown-ups between the ages
of 40-70 years who can either undertake drug therapy or
lifestyle management of hypertension. Patients who undergo
drug treatment have a low chance of suffering from
cardiovascular risks compared to men who are not untreated.
Use of antihypertensive drugs is crucial in treating level 2 and 3
of hypertension. Randomized clinical trials carried out on men
have helps reduce the chance of stroke and coronary risks. Also,
the use of evidence-based technology has also been vital in
reducing the level of SBP and DBP making it possible to initiate
medication. However, treatment of people within the age of 40-

55 years differs with that of men between the ages of 55-70
years. In contrast, men who undertake lifestyle changes as a
treatment method for hypertension have to put in place long-
term strategies to ensure they adequately address the disease
(Williams, Lawerence, Fanorow, & Go, 2010). Lifestyle
changes might not be an effective method of treatment
especially in serious condition and may require the
incorporation of two or more anti-hypertensive drugs. Men
between the ages of 40-50 year are suitable for this method, as
most have the energy to take up regular physical exercises
which are vital in the addressing the disease. Lifestyle changes
for men involve changing eating habits, quitting smoking,
reduced alcohol intake, sodium restriction among others
(Huang, Duggan, & Harman, 2006).
A comparison of limitation of study
The research on the effectiveness of both the use of drug
therapy and lifestyle modification in the treatment of
hypertension has limitations. One, Drug therapy entails the use
of various drugs which make it difficult to determine the
effectiveness of each medication used in the treatment of the
disease. Also, the presence of other existing ailments in some of
the patients makes it hard to determine the effectiveness of most
anti-hypertensive in the treatment of hypertension since most
are also administered to treat the conditions as well. The
outcomes of lifestyle changes in the treatment and management

of hypertension are impossible to measure as they are long no
tangible methods to indicate proof of the changes. Lastly, on
some occasions, patients have to be administered with anti-
hypertensive which makes it difficult to determine the
effectiveness of lifestyle changes as the treatment method for
hypertension.
Conclusion
Hypertension is among the leading causes of heart attacks,
strokes, and other complications. With the right interventions in
place, the disease can be managed and treated; hypertension
treatment takes into account two forms of treatment including
the use of anti-hypertensive drugs as well as lifestyle
modifications. Anti-hypertensive drugs used include diuretics,
angiotensin, converting enzymes blockers, beta blockers among
others each of the drugs work differently, but all ultimately
result in lowering the blood pressure. Lifestyle changes are also
crucial in management and treatment of the disease especially in
reducing cardiovascular risks and lowering the blood pressure. I
recommend the research to utilize different studies and findings
from other research carried out in the past to elaborate the
differences and effectiveness of the methods in the treatment of
high blood pressure.
References
Huang, N., Duggan, K., & Harman, J. (2006). Lifestyle

Management of Hypertension. Australian Prescriber, 150-156.
Khatib, O. M. (2012). Clinical Guideline for the Management of
Hypertension. New York: World Health Organization.
Williams, K. A., Lawerence, W., Fanorow, G. C., & Go, A. S.
(2010). An Effective Approach to High Blood Pressure Control.
American Heart Association, 885-894.
Running head: TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION1
TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION8
Treatment of Hypertension
Name: Idalmis Espinosa

Institution: Grand Canyon University
Instructor: Tish Dorman
Date: 01/28/18
Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood disease pressure is a
serious condition that ultimately results in damaging of blood
vessels leaving an individual prone to heart attack, stroke, and
other conditions. Various factors increase the likelihood of
developing the disease they include obesity, consumption of a

lot of salt, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol intake. Globally,
hypertension results in the death of millions of people, but with
the right administration, the mortality rates can be reduced.
Treatment of hypertension is diverse including lifestyle changes
and treatment through drug therapy. Lifestyle approach in the
treatment of hypertension involves intake of healthy diets,
quitting smoking, physical exercise, and reducing alcohol
intake. Considering the complexities that surround the treatment
and management of hypertension, this paper seeks to
demonstrate that it is crucial to incorporate lifestyle
modifications alongside medical treatments in the management
of high blood pressure.
Background of the Problem
Hypertension is a worldwide health issue that afflicts many
individuals. The causative factors for the condition can be
genetic or acquired through poor lifestyle habits. The disease
may also present as a co-morbidity to other illnesses such as
diabetes and kidney disease or hypertension may lead to the
onset of these diseases. Hence, the problem prevails in a vicious
cycle pattern making treatment goals difficult to achieve (Wang,
Ning, Yang, Lu, Tu, Jin & ... Su, 2014). In addition, the
advancement of the food processing industry has immensely
contributed to the development of hypertension because of the
relatively higher amounts of salts and other harmful food
additives in the diets. If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead

to the development of co-morbidities such as heart disease,
diabetes, and stroke. Blood pressure involves exertion of force
on the walls of the blood vessels, with the amount of force
exerted dependent on the levels of resistance from the blood
vessels and the amount of work done by the heart.
Problem Statement
Estimates issued by the World Health Organization indicate that
in the United States alone, over 85 million people are suffering
from hypertension. In the low and middle-income countries in
the world, urbanization has steadily caused an upsurge in the
number diagnosed cases of hypertension due to changes in
lifestyle habits. Globally, increased blood pressure has been
found to cause over 7 million deaths, a figure which accounts
for over 12% of the total world deaths. Overall, both men and
women develop high blood pressure, although the prevalence
rates are higher for men than for women. Therefore,
hypertension is a public health concern that has been found to
cause the development of cardiovascular disease and stroke
(Khdour, Hallak, Shaeen, Jarab & Shahed 2013).
A lot of research work has been carried out with the intention of
deciphering the etiology of the disease and the best treatment
approaches to the problem of hypertension. Although the
research efforts have centered on the medical perspectives of
treatment, exploration of the role of lifestyle modification as a
preventive measure for hypertension needs to be carried out

(Khdour, Hallak, Shaeen, Jarab & Shahed 2013). Furthermore,
lack of adequate awareness about hypertension on the part of
the patient substantially influences the onset of hypertension,
and the delayed seeking of treatment for the condition. Also,
because of an increase in population and the sharp increase of
the geriatric demographic age group, the number of people
living with unmanaged hypertension in the world has been on
the increase; hence this paper advocates for the use of lifestyle
modifications in the management of hypertension among adult
males.
Purpose of the Change Proposal
Considering the complexities that surround the treatment and
management of hypertension, this paper seeks to demonstrate it
is crucial to incorporate lifestyle modifications alongside
medical treatments in the management of high blood pressure.
This is because ideally, lifestyle changes should be considered
not only as preventive measures but also as first line treatment
options. These adjustments include dietary changes such as
consumption of low sodium, high glycemic index foods, and
daily intake of 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables. Physicians
and nurses recommend that pre-hypertensive or hypertensive
patients engage in physical exercise which includes half an hour
of low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise such as swimming,
jogging walking or cycling (Nwankwo, Yoon, Burt, & Gu,

2013). In addition, utilizing stress reduction measures
significantly assists with blood pressure control. These
measures include avoidance of cigarette smoking and alcohol
and consumption of unhealthy diets.
PICOT Statement
To address the problem of hypertension, the following PICOT
question was developed: For male grown-ups between the ages
of 40 and 70 with hypertension, and with various co-
morbidities, will the adjustment in way of life (drawing in
routinely in exercise and eating more beneficial and adjusted
suppers), contrasted with patients who utilize prescription to
treat/deal with their hypertension, help to control their pulse
and diminish the danger of creating cardiovascular illnesses in
their recuperation period inside a half year? The period will be
sufficiently long to make a patient to be capable not to
experience the ill effects of hypertension and to likewise lessen
the dangers that the people will ordinarily go through.
Literature Search Strategy Employed
For the search of literature review, the Ebscohost data base
search was used. Key words used in the search were
hypertension, high blood pressure, and hypertension among
males. A total of 25 articles related to hypertension were found
and another 13 articles discussing high blood pressure and other
morbidities were found. Further, no articles related to the topic

of hypertension among males were found in the data base. Of
the 38 articles found, those that failed to meet search criteria of
hypertension and high blood pressure and lifestyle adjustments
were eliminated. A total of three articles were left for the
literature review.
Literature Review
As discussed earlier, the problem of hypertension has a high
prevalence in the United States and the world. Wang et al.
(2013) assert that high blood pressure is the single most
significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular
disease. The authors further state that low awareness lack of
treatment and management leads to an increase in the number of
deaths and complications from hypertension. Risk factors such
as high body mass index lack of physical exercise and
consumption of unhealthy diets cause further problems into an
already complex issue.
A National Health and Nutrition Survey reveals that early
diagnosis and treatment ensures the prevention of complications
of hypertension for instance damage of the arteries and
blindness (Nwankwo, Yoon, Burt, & Gu, 2013). However,
research by suggests that hypertensive patients may fail to
develop signs or symptoms in which case treatment is sought for
the eventual complications such as blindness. Lifestyle changes
in combination with medication may lower high blood pressure
and lead to an improved quality of life for the patient. However,

lifestyle modifications alone have been found effective as a first
line option treatment for hypertension. These changes include
the incorporation 30 minutes of physical activity into the
patient’s daily routine.
Ideally the goal of physical exercise is to assist the patient with
weight loss and a reduction of the BMI (Khdour et al., 2013).
Dietary adjustments entail intake of low sodium diets, intake of
high fiber diets, which includes fruits and vegetables, and
consumption of low-fat dairy products. Lifestyle modifications
also constitute the avoidance of stress and its causative factors
such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Dietary changes may
involve the nurse or the nutritionist assist the patient develop a
feeding plan which is known as dietary approaches to stop
hypertension diet.
Applicable Change Model
For patients suffering from hypertension and other chronic
diseases, the Chronic Care Model is an effective organizational
strategy to caring for hypertensive patients. I this scenario, the
model is applicable because it utilizes evidence based research
and creates interactions between an educated patient and a
proactive team of health care professionals. Moreover, the
system is practical and offers support for the patient in
management of hypertension (Davy, Bleasel, Liu, Tchan,
Ponniah, & Brown, (2015).
Implementation Plan

Following the six components of the Chronic Care Model, the
implementation plan will aim to decrease high blood pressure,
manage weight, support self-management and decision making
that will impact on the overall well-being of the patient. Self-
management is critical because it indicates that the patient is in
charge of their own health care situation. Applicable changes
will be filtered through the components of the Chronic Care
Model and tested against evidence-based research to ascertain
that they are effective at achieving the goals of blood pressure
reduction and weight reduction (Davy, Bleasel, Liu, Tchan,
Ponniah, & Brown, (2015).
Potential Barriers to Implementation
Potential barriers to the implementation of the plan include
patient apathy and non- adherence to the issues such as physical
activity and consumption of healthy diets to achieve the
treatment goals of lowering blood pressure and weight reduction
(Khatib, 2012). Another key barrier from the patient is an
attitude of indifference which may result in the patient viewing
the plan as inconsequential and non-contributory to the
management of their blood pressure.
Conclusion
As noted, hypertension is among the leading causes of heart
attacks, strokes, and other complications. With the right
interventions in place, the condition can be managed and
treated; hypertension treatment considers two forms of

treatment including the use of anti-hypertensive drugs as well as
lifestyle modifications. Anti-hypertensive drugs used include
diuretics, angiotensin, converting enzymes blockers, beta
blockers among others each of the drugs work differently, but
all ultimately result in lowering the blood pressure. Therefore,
apart from medication, lifestyle changes are also crucial in
management and treatment of the disease especially in reducing
cardiovascular risks and lowering the blood pressure.
References
Davy, C., Bleasel, J., Liu, H., Tchan, M., Ponniah, S., & Brown,
A. (2015). Effectiveness of chronic care models: Opportunities
for improving healthcare practice and health outcomes: A
systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 15, 194.
http://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-015-0854-8
Khatib, O. M. (2012). Clinical guideline for the management of
hypertension. New York, NY: World Health Organization.
Khdour, M., Hallak, H., Shaeen, M., Jarab, A., & Shahed, Q. A.
(2013). Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of
hypertension in the Palestinian population. Journal of Human

Hypertension, (10), 623. doi:10.1038/jhh.2013.26
Nwankwo, T., Yoon, S. S., Burt, V., Gu, Q. (2013).
Hypertension among adults in the United States: National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012. NCHS
Data Brief (133),1-8.
Wang, J., Ning, X., Yang, L., Lu, H., Tu, J., Jin, W., & ... Su,
T. (2014). Trends of hypertension prevalence, awareness,
treatment and control in rural areas of northern China during
1991-2011. Journal of Human Hypertension, 28(1), 25-31.
doi:10.1038/jhh.2013.44

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