Antihypertensive treatment for the neurological patient: a nursing challenge

The neuroscience nurse's role in hypertensive management for patients with neurological injury can be challenging. This is especially true for patients whose cerebral autoregulation is affected by chronic hypertension or a cerebral insult. Hypertensive management involves more than the mere administration of medications. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the effects of drugs, lowering the blood pressure to a safe level and observing for any neurological deficits which may ensue from cerebral hypoperfusion. The nurse must collaboratively be able to determine if the patient's hypertensive episodes are caused by ineffective antihypertensives or a new cerebral insult. Knowledge of hypertension management helps maintain adequate cerebral perfusion and ultimate neurological functioning of the patient.