Question

A 40 year old woman presents to the emergency department with a severe headache, vomiting and confusion. Her blood pressure is 220/120 mm Hg, heart rate 96 beats per minute and she has papilloedema on fundoscopic exam. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Begin intravenous labetalol with cautious blood pressure reduction and admit to a monitored bed

Answer

Start oral amlodipine 10 mg and arrange follow up within a week

Answer

Discharge her with home blood pressure monitoring after repeating the reading

Answer

Start high dose oral ACE inhibitor therapy and review in 24 hours

Answer

Observe without treatment as this is likely white coat hypertension

Practice question

A 40 year old woman presents to the emergency department with a severe headache, vomiting and confusion. Her blood pressure is 220/120 mm Hg, heart rate 96 beats per minute and she has papilloedema on fundoscopic exam. What is the most appropriate immediate management strategy?