Renovascular hypertension diagnosis to discharge: a case study.

It is difficult to estimate the numbers of individuals affected by renovascular hypertension due to the extensive and invasive testing required to diagnose this disease. Patients who are not surgical candidates, have stable renal function, or are well controlled on antihypertensive agents, should not be considered for diagnostic testing or for surgical intervention. In contrast, patients with uncontrolled hypertension with or without worsening renal function should be evaluated for the presence of a renal artery lesion. The detrimental systemic effects associated with such hypertension often far outweigh the risks of diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention. The importance of the nurses role in caring for patients with renovascular hypertension; from diagnosis to discharge, cannot be overemphasized. It is only through thorough patient assessment and care that complications can be quickly identified and/or avoided.