Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient's blood pressure reads 180/100 mmHg and they have no known medical history. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Wait 5 minutes and re-take the blood pressure
B) Wait 5 minutes and re-take — CORRECT.
A single reading of 180/100 may represent "white coat hypertension" or stress from dental anxiety. The standard protocol is to allow the patient to rest for 5 minutes in a calm environment and retake. If the reading remains elevated (≥180 systolic or ≥110 diastolic), elective treatment should be deferred and medical referral arranged. 180/100 alone (without ≥120 diastolic or symptoms) is Stage 2 hypertension — not immediately life-threatening.
A) Treating immediately at 180/100 without reassessment violates the standard protocol.
C) Emergency room: Indicated for hypertensive crisis (systolic ≥180 AND diastolic ≥120) with symptoms (chest pain, vision changes, headache).
D) Simply dismissing without any action is inappropriate.
A single reading of 180/100 may represent "white coat hypertension" or stress from dental anxiety. The standard protocol is to allow the patient to rest for 5 minutes in a calm environment and retake. If the reading remains elevated (≥180 systolic or ≥110 diastolic), elective treatment should be deferred and medical referral arranged. 180/100 alone (without ≥120 diastolic or symptoms) is Stage 2 hypertension — not immediately life-threatening.
A) Treating immediately at 180/100 without reassessment violates the standard protocol.
C) Emergency room: Indicated for hypertensive crisis (systolic ≥180 AND diastolic ≥120) with symptoms (chest pain, vision changes, headache).
D) Simply dismissing without any action is inappropriate.
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