A client asks the nurse about the primary purpose of measuring blood pressure in hypertension diagnosis. How should the nurse respond?

A) This option is incorrect. Increased appetite and weight gain are not typical manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy.

B) Correct answer. Hypertensive encephalopathy is characterized by visual disturbances, severe headaches, and neurological symptoms resulting from uncontrolled hypertension and cerebral edema.

C) This option is incorrect. Pain and tingling in the extremities are not directly associated with hypertensive encephalopathy.

D) This option is incorrect. Reduced urine output and fatigue are more likely related to kidney damage and heart failure, respectively, rather than hypertensive encephalopathy.

Questions

Rationale:

A) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is often vasoconstriction and increased sodium retention, leading to elevated blood pressure.

B) Correct answer. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a key mechanism in hypertension. It leads to vasoconstriction and increased water and sodium retention, elevating blood pressure.

C) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, sympathetic nervous system activity is often increased, not decreased.

D) This option is incorrect. In hypertension, there is reduced nitric oxide production, which contributes to arterial stiffness and elevated blood pressure.