IMPACTS OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN THE HIGH-COMPLEXITY HEALTHCARE SETTING: PERCEPTIONS OF RESIDENT NURSES IN HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Abstract

This study reports the experience of nurse residents specializing in Health Surveillance regarding the impact of systemic arterial hypertension at a high-complexity university hospital. It is an experience report based on activities conducted between January and June 2026 at a tertiary-level university hospital in Paraná. The study involved participant observation by residents across various care settings, including patient monitoring, participation in multidisciplinary discussions, and analysis of care pathways related to complications of systemic arterial hypertension. Data gathered during this period were organized and qualitatively analyzed. The experience revealed that hospitalizations for patients with systemic arterial hypertension were primarily linked to cardiovascular complications—notably acute myocardial infarction and heart failure—as well as the presence of chronic kidney disease and a history of stroke. High clinical complexity, a need for intensive care, prolonged hospital stays, increased utilization of healthcare resources, and challenges regarding continuity of care were also observed. This experience provided insight into the magnitude of the impact of systemic arterial hypertension on tertiary care and underscored the contribution of Health Surveillance to case identification, patient monitoring, the strengthening of prevention efforts, longitudinal follow-up, and the integration of the healthcare network.