Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Pulmonary hypertension involves progressive remodeling of pulmonary arterioles through endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and in-situ thrombosis. The imbalance between vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, thromboxane) and vasodilators (nitric oxide, prostacyclin) drives sustained elevation of pulmonary artery pressure, leading to right ventricular failure. Connect Pulmonary Hypertension to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.