Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Quizlet Related

Review Medical Surgical Assignment Exam HESI Quizlet related questions and content

A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg. What is the priority nursing action?

  • A. Administer antihypertensive medication as prescribed.
  • B. Place the client in a supine position.
  • C. Obtain a detailed health history.
  • D. Monitor urine output.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering antihypertensive medication is the priority nursing action in this situation. The extremely high blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg puts the client at risk of severe complications such as stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage. Lowering the blood pressure promptly is crucial to prevent these complications. Placing the client in a supine position or obtaining a detailed health history are not immediate actions needed to address the hypertensive crisis. Monitoring urine output, although important, is not the priority when the client's blood pressure is critically high.