Severe Hypertension

Section 5 -MEDICAL

(Systolic BP > 230 mm Hg and/or Diastolic BP > 120 mm Hg)

CONSIDER MEDICAL ETIOLOGY OF HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS AND REFER TO APPROPRIATE PRACTICE PARAMETER:

• PULMONARY EDEMA (4.11)
• CHEST PAIN / ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME (4.01)
• STROKE PRACTICE PARAMETER (5.04)

INITIAL MEDICAL CARE (2.01) - OXYGEN only if SaO2 < 95%

• Immediate Transport
• Monitor and document BP every 5 minutes

Treat symptoms:

• IF patient is vomiting or has severe nausea, administer PROMETHAZINE OR ZOFRAN as appropriate.
• IF Chest Pain refer to CHEST PAIN / ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME (4.01)
• MORPHINE SULFATE 2-20 mg titrated to effect.
• IF Neurological deficits refer to STROKE PRACTICE PARAMETER (5.04)