If a patient's blood pressure is 180/120, what is the expected nursing intervention?

If a patient's blood pressure is 180/120, what is the expected nursing intervention?

• A. Contact Physician
• B. Immediate Hospitalization
• C. Prescription of nifedipine
• D. Increase fluid intake

Answer: (C)

In a situation where a patient's blood pressure is recorded at 180/120, this indicates a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. The immediate nursing intervention is critical to manage this high blood pressure effectively. The most appropriate response in this scenario is the prescription of nifedipine. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure by causing vasodilation. Administering this medication can quickly help reduce the elevated blood pressure to a safer level. The action of providing medication aligns with the necessity for a swift response seen in cases of severe hypertension. While contacting a physician may be necessary for any significant changes in a patient's condition, specifically, addressing the immediate high blood pressure with an effective pharmacological intervention is essential. Immediate hospitalization might be considered, but it is not a standalone nursing action without first attempting to manage the blood pressure. Increasing fluid intake does not address the immediate need to lower the dangerously high blood pressure. Therefore, initiating treatment with nifedipine directly targets the underlying issue, making it the appropriate nursing intervention in managing the critical condition that high blood pressure presents.

In a situation where a patient's blood pressure is recorded at 180/120, this indicates a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. The immediate nursing intervention is critical to manage this high blood pressure effectively.

The most appropriate response in this scenario is the prescription of nifedipine. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure by causing vasodilation. Administering this medication can quickly help reduce the elevated blood pressure to a safer level. The action of providing medication aligns with the necessity for a swift response seen in cases of severe hypertension.

While contacting a physician may be necessary for any significant changes in a patient's condition, specifically, addressing the immediate high blood pressure with an effective pharmacological intervention is essential. Immediate hospitalization might be considered, but it is not a standalone nursing action without first attempting to manage the blood pressure. Increasing fluid intake does not address the immediate need to lower the dangerously high blood pressure.

Therefore, initiating treatment with nifedipine directly targets the underlying issue, making it the appropriate nursing intervention in managing the critical condition that high blood pressure presents.