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Medical Emergencies · single question

An 18-year-old with no medical history, BP 180/100, and tooth pain. What do you do?

  1. Wait 5 minutes and re-check blood pressure
  2. Refer to the emergency room immediately
  3. Prescribe pain medication and treat
  4. Cancel and refer to physician
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Correct answer: A. Wait 5 minutes and re-check blood pressure

  • A. ✅ Correct. A young patient with no hypertension history and BP 180/100 may have white coat hypertension or pain-induced elevation. Wait 5 minutes, calm the patient, re-check. If still elevated, reassess before proceeding.
  • B. ❌ At 180/100 without symptoms (headache, visual changes, chest pain), immediate ER is not required. ER threshold is typically >180/120 (hypertensive crisis).
  • C. ❌ Treating without addressing BP 180/100 (Stage 2 hypertension) risks a hypertensive emergency, especially with epinephrine-containing LA.
  • D. ❌ Canceling without re-checking is premature for a first elevated reading in an anxious painful patient.

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