Question

A nurse is caring for a client who presents to the ER with a BP of 254/138 mmHg. The nurse recognizes that the client is in a hypertensive crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. obtain blood samples for laboratory testing
B. Tell the client to report vision changes
C. Place the head of the bed at 45 degrees
D. initiate an IV

Answer 1

In a hypertensive crisis, the nurse's first action should be to initiate an IV.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a hypertensive crisis, the nurse's first action should be to initiate an IV. A hypertensive crisis is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure that requires immediate medical intervention. Starting an IV allows for the administration of antihypertensive medications to lower the blood pressure quickly and stabilize the client.