As-Needed Treatment of Postoperative Hypertension for Inpatient Surgical Patients: A Review.

IMPORTANCE

Asymptomatic postoperative hypertension is a common clinical condition in admitted surgical patients. As-needed treatment with medication to acutely lower measured systolic blood pressure can have adverse outcomes.

OBSERVATIONS: Existing literature and current practice guidelines indicate that treating asymptomatic hypertension can lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Because of systematic triggers, including nursing notifications, unfamiliarity with perioperative medical studies, and as-needed medication orders, it is often treated in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Postoperative hypertension should only be treated when it is symptomatic. A conscientious effort should be made to minimize systematic triggers that lead to unnecessary treatment.