American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What is a characteristic of a hypertension emergency?

1. Elevated blood pressure only

2. Acute target organ ischemia or damage

3. No symptoms present

4. Gradual onset

The correct answer is: Acute target organ ischemia or damage

A characteristic of a hypertension emergency is the presence of acute target organ ischemia or damage. In such situations, the severely elevated blood pressure poses a direct threat to vital organs, leading to potential complications like myocardial infarction, stroke, or renal failure. This urgency necessitates immediate medical intervention to lower blood pressure and prevent irreversible damage. In contrast, elevated blood pressure alone does not define an emergency. While high blood pressure is a component, it is the acute consequences and the immediate risk to organs that distinguish a hypertension emergency. Additionally, the absence of symptoms is not characteristic, as hypertension emergencies often present with various clinical signs depending on the organs affected. Lastly, hypertension emergencies typically occur suddenly rather than gradually, as a rapid rise in blood pressure often triggers the acute damage to organs.