Medical Emergencies · single question

An asymptomatic patient presents with a blood pressure of 175/100 mmHg. The appropriate action is to:

  1. Defer elective treatment and refer to a physician
  2. Proceed with all elective care
  3. Give an antihypertensive in office
  4. Ignore it if the patient feels fine
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Defer elective treatment and refer to a physician

  • A. Correct. A reading this high (Stage 2) warrants deferring elective care and medical referral, even when asymptomatic, due to cardiovascular risk.
  • B. Elective treatment is contraindicated at this pressure.
  • C. Dentists do not initiate antihypertensive therapy in the office.
  • D. High pressure must be acted upon regardless of symptoms.

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