Community Health HESI 2023 Related

Review Community Health HESI 2023 related questions and content

A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 180/110 mm Hg. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

  • A. Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • B. Nifedipine (Procardia)
  • C. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
  • D. Clonidine (Catapres)
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario of severe hypertension (180/110 mm Hg), the nurse should prepare to administer Clonidine (Catapres), which is an antihypertensive medication commonly used to rapidly lower blood pressure in acute situations. Atenolol and Nifedipine are also antihypertensive medications, but Clonidine is more appropriate for immediate blood pressure reduction in this critical situation. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic often used for long-term management of hypertension, not for rapid lowering of severely elevated blood pressure.