Maintenance
Suggested follow-up strategies for Pulmonary hypertension patients include performing a clinical assessment, WHO-FC determination, ECG, 6MWT, and BNP/NT-proBNP levels at baseline, every 3 to 6 months, and 3 to 4 months after changes in therapy or if clinical worsening occurs. An echocardiogram and right heart catheterization should be performed at baseline and 3 to 4 months after changes in therapy or if clinical worsening occurs. A quality of life assessment should be performed by administering the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) questionnaire. This assessment tool contains 3 separate scales that measure symptoms, functioning, and quality of life and is specific for Pulmonary hypertension patients. A flu vaccine yearly in October should be recommended, along with information on means to prevent colds. NPs should instruct patients to wash hands before touching eyes, mouth, or nose. Patients with Pulmonary hypertension cannot take decongestants because of the vasoconstrictor effect.