Hypertensive emergency is defined by a blood pressure reading higher than which threshold?

• A. 180/120
• B. 140/90
• C. 120/80
• D. 160/100

Answer: (A)

Hypertensive emergency is defined by a very high blood pressure with a risk of or actual target-organ damage, and the threshold commonly used is 180 systolic or 120 diastolic. When BP reaches or exceeds 180/120, especially if there are symptoms or signs of organ involvement (headache with confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, neurological changes, or kidney issues), it requires urgent medical evaluation and in-hospital management to lower the pressure carefully. If there is no organ damage at this level, it’s called hypertensive urgency rather than an emergency. So the threshold described is 180/120. In practice, a medication aide should report readings at or above this level promptly to a supervising nurse and ensure the patient is safe while awaiting further care.