Who would you trust more treating you medically? A NP or an MD? I think my mom needs a second opinion from an actual M. D. How can I convince her?

[Anonymous]

My mom is hell bent on seeing this NP (nurse practitioner) to treat her chronically high blood pressure. This woman has had my mom on every BP medication imaginable and if anything my mom's BP has worsened rather than improved. Her ankles stay swollen and i'm very concerned because I don't believe this particular NP knows what she is doing and doesn't have any business treating anything to do with anybody's heart.

Mom's excuse is always, "Well she can do everything a doctor does, even prescribe medication and she doesn't believe in always pushing pills like doctors do". I'm not bashing NP's, I would trust them treating general and basic medical issues, but not anything serious like blood pressure or treating the cardiovascular system, I believe that should be left for actual medical doctors.. How can I convince her to actually see a doctor for a 2nd opinion?

[Klaatu51]

"My mom is hell bent on seeing this NP (nurse practitioner) to treat her chronically high blood pressure. This woman has had my mom on every BP medication imaginable and if anything my mom's BP has worsened rather than improved. Her ankles stay swollen and i'm very concerned because I don't believe this particular NP knows what she is doing and doesn't have any business treating anything to do with anybody's heart"

^well if BP has worsened as u say then it's time to see another doc... i dunno y she's still trustin her... not every doc's perfect u know...

"Mom's excuse is always, "Well she can do everything a doctor does, even prescribe medication and she doesn't believe in always pushing pills like doctors do". I'm not bashing NP's, I would trust them treating general and basic medical issues, but not anything serious like blood pressure or treating the cardiovascular system, I believe that should be left for actual medical doctors.. How can I convince her to actually see a doctor for a 2nd opinion?"

^it's pretty obvious actually... u should make it clear to her dat her situation has gone worse and she has NOTHING to lose if she sees another doc... wot she's afraid of?

[fauchelevent]

I have a lot of members of family that are either NPs or MDs and, honestly, your mother is right that she can do what a doctor does. Nurses see it all :P If you're in a hospital, the only reason you're not dead or suffering is because of nurses, the doctor only really gives a diagnosis - and the nurses can do that too :P But, I understand your concern, especially as your mother is taking a lot of medication and nothing's getting better. I recommend just trying to convince her that you know the NP can be just as valid as a doctor, but that it's always good to get a second opinion on something so important.

[PANDAmonium]

I was trying to figure out a way not to push my bias and actually impart a reasonable answer. But you did it perfectly.

[fauchelevent]

@PANDAmonium Thanks :)

[BellePepper]

It sounds like it's DEFINITELY time for a second opinion. You can go to the best doctors and nurses in the country and can still need a second opinion.