Student-Run Clinics

Question 1

What are the two clinical components of a hypertensive emergency?

Answer 1

1.) SBP ≥ 160 mmHg AND/OR DBP ≥ 100 mmHg

2. ) S/Sy of possible organ damage
   (e. g. visual changes, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, epistaxis, movement/sensation changes, severe chest or back pain, nausea/vomiting)

Question 2

What are the two clinical components of a hypertensive urgency?

Answer 2

1.) SBP ≥ 180 mm Hg AND/OR DBP ≥ 120 mm Hg

2. ) No obvious S/Sy of end-organ damage
   (e. g. visual changes, severe headache, dizziness, confusion, epistaxis, movement/sensation changes, severe chest or back pain, nausea/vomiting)

Question 3

A patient presents with a blood pressure of 186/112 mmHg.

How is this BP categorized? What do you do next?

Answer 3

Hypertensive urgency;

wait 15 minutes (and contact an upperclassman) and retake.

If it is still elevated, advise the patient to see a PCP as soon as possible.

Question 4

What should you do if your patient is having a seizure or stroke or MI or is in a hypertensive emergency?

Answer 4

Do not leave the patient;
get your preceptor;
ask timeframe of S/Sy (use FAR COLDER).