Basics of Hypertension for CMAs

Course Code: REL-ACU-0-BHCMA

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2026

Learning Objectives:
Recall the negative effects of hypertension and risk factors for hypertension.
Identify causes of hypertension and general management strategies.
Indicate appropriate methods for obtaining blood pressure readings and key concepts in patient and family education.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Understanding Hypertension

Driven By Numbers

Physiology of Hypertension

Causes of Hypertension

What’s Normal?

Hypertensive Crisis

Review

Section 3: Measurement and Diagnosis

Patient History

Accurate Measurement

Diagnosis and Treatment

Review

Section 4: Antihypertensive Medications

First-Line Agents for Treatment of Hypertension

Second-Line Agents for Treatment of Hypertension

Educating Patients and Families

Looking Ahead and Lowering Pressure

Review

Section 5: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributors

Resources

References

Instructor: Laura Bell, BSN, RN, CCRN

Laura Bell, BSN, RN, CCRN is a SME writer for Relias with over 16 years of acute care experience in nursing. She began working in adult critical care at WakeMed Cary Hospital in 2011, obtained her CCRN certification in 2016, and served in the role of Rapid Response/Code Blue/Rounding RN for over 2 years. She continues to work as a staff nurse in the intensive care unit. Laura has a passion for education and excellence in nursing care. She has been involved in numerous special projects and educational activities to improve staff development, evidence-based clinical practice, and patient satisfaction. She continues to strive for excellence in education and clinical development as an acute care course writer.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Certified Medical Assistants; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.

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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.