A patient is recovering following a carotid endarterectomy. The blood pressure h

1 -- Take a blood pressure reading manually to check technique, compare the results to the last several blood pressures recorded, and call the physician to report this blood pressure. Physicians typically have a range for maintaining the blood pressure following carotid endarterectomy, with standing orders for higher or lower blood pressures. If the blood pressure becomes higher, it is a danger and should be reported to the physician and documented in the patient record along with orders received. Although the skill of the staff is important, it is a priority to notify the physician of the blood pressure reading so that treatment can begin. Antihypertensives may be ordered and administered p.r.n., but physician notification after verification of the reading is the priority, so that further evaluation can occur.