Question

A patient arrives at the clinic for a follow-up visit for treatment of hypertension. The nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 180/110 but finds no evidence of impending or progressive organ damage when performing the assessment on the patient. What situation does the nurse understand this patient is experiencing?

a. Hypertensive emergency
b. Primary hypertension
c. Secondary hypertension
d. Hypertensive urgency

Answer 1

A patient with a blood pressure reading of 180/110 mm Hg without evidence of organ damage is experiencing hypertensive urgency, which requires close monitoring and medication adjustment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation the nurse understands the patient is experiencing is d. Hypertensive urgency. This condition is characterized by a severe elevation in blood pressure (180/110 mm Hg in this case), without signs of impending or progressive organ damage. It differs from a hypertensive emergency, which does involve evidence of organ damage. Unlike hypertensive urgency, a hypertensive emergency requires immediate blood pressure management to prevent or limit organ damage.

Hypertensive urgency requires close monitoring and medication adjustment, often with follow-up in the outpatient setting. It is important for patients to be made aware of the risks associated with chronically elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and to adhere to their treatment plans to prevent long-term complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, or heart failure.