NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations

The sources for EBPs that can guide nurses to take effective actions for patients like Mr. John in HTN management are tested through the CRAAP test. The test allows a checklist of five key factors essential for a source to be effective. Firstly, the sources were current (C) as they were from past five-year publications; for instance, a study by Dixon et al. (2021) is from the year 2021, which says collaborative and team-based care is effective in HTN management. The literature is relevant (R) to the HTN issue, providing necessary information about improved patient outcomes. I ensured that the information from sources was based on authority (A) and accuracy (A); for instance, the study by Tam et al. (2020) and his colleagues is based on expert field authors and rigorous research methodology. Lastly, all the sources align with the (P) of managing HTN for patients like Mr. John through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Potential Barriers and Guiding Framework

Several barriers can hinder the implementation of EBP in managing hypertension. For instance, a lack of awareness among healthcare providers and patients about effective practices for HTN management can create hindrances. Resistance to change is another barrier that can impact implementation due to non-traditional ways to manage a health condition like HTN, which can cause treatment non-adherence concerns such as lifestyle modifications, self-management strategies, and medication adherence, which can pose challenges in practical implementation.

Limited access to resources such as education programs can impede EBPs (Bhandari et al., 2021). The guiding framework to overcome these barriers is the Iowa Model to promote quality care. This model integrates research findings, professional experience, patient inclination, and organizational resources to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and practice change. It provides a structured approach to identify, address, and evaluate issues by keeping barriers in check. This model will allow nurses to implement HTN management practices based on evidence and sustain change, enhancing excellence for Mr. John through lifestyle modification and best practices (Cullen et al., 2022).

National Standards or Policies Affecting Nursing Practice

The American Nurse Association (ANA) establishes standards of nursing practice and ethical guidelines that inform nursing care for patients with hypertension. For example, the ANA’s scope and standards of practice outline the competencies and responsibilities of nurses in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for individuals with cardiovascular conditions like HTN. Through education, advocacy, and resources, the ANA supports nurses staying updated on EBP, promoting patient education and self-management, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021).

For Mr. John, adherence to ANA standards ensures he receives thorough, patient-centered care customized to his choices. The American Heart Association (AHA) plays a role in developing clinical practice guidelines and recommendations for managing HTN. These guidelines are evidence-based strategies for risk assessment, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacological interventions. Nurses can leverage AHA resources, educational materials, and training programs to enhance their knowledge and skills in HTN management (Shrestha et al., 2020). By aligning their practices with AHA guidelines, they can improve the outcomes for Mr. John. 

Other organizational and governmental standards, such as the World Health Organization (WHO)’s initiatives, such as HEART, can help nurses to apply preventive measures to avoid premature deaths due to heart disease and stroke (Khan et al., 2023). Medicaid policy can assist in coverage for necessary HTN treatment and it can guide nurses to help cover multiple medication expenses, which is essential for patients without cost barriers (Cole et al., 2021). Nurses’ scope of practice expands as they can educate and advocate for adopting guidelines and policies focusing on risk assessment, treatment protocols, and system strengthening within healthcare organizations and communities. By aligning with guidelines, nurses can contribute to reducing the burden of HTN-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the case of Mr. John.

Leadership Strategies and Change Management

The leadership approach sets the tone for implementing HTN management techniques for patients like Mr. John. The transformational leadership approach is significant in guiding nurses to implement best practices within the healthcare system as it is about inspiring team members and motivating them for better outcomes. Several strategies include establishing i