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Anesthesia · single question

During IV sedation, the patient's blood pressure suddenly and markedly increases. What should you do FIRST?

  1. Check and verify the blood pressure equipment
  2. Administer an antihypertensive medication
  3. Stop the procedure and call 911
  4. Administer additional sedative agent
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Check and verify the blood pressure equipment

When monitoring shows a sudden unexpected vital sign change, the FIRST step is to verify the equipment — a cuff malfunction, incorrect size, or kinking can produce false high readings. Confirm the reading before escalating.
  • A. CORRECT. 'Chequear el equipo de presión' — verify the equipment/reading first. Standard protocol for unexpected monitoring abnormalities.
  • B. Administering antihypertensive without confirming the reading is premature and dangerous.
  • C. Calling 911 may be needed but first confirm the reading is accurate.
  • D. Additional sedative during possible hypertensive crisis is inappropriate.

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