Which question is a priority for the nurse to ask a patient with a sudden rise in blood pressure?

Focusing on the patient's health status when experiencing a sudden rise in blood pressure is crucial because it can indicate the potential for serious complications such as hypertensive urgency or emergency. Asking about headaches or confusion is particularly important, as these symptoms can be signs of end-organ damage or neurological issues like a stroke or hypertensive encephalopathy.

By assessing for headaches, which may suggest increased intracranial pressure or a hypertensive crisis, and confusion, which may indicate a possible neurological event, the nurse can prioritize immediate interventions and collaborate with the healthcare team for further evaluation and treatment. This line of questioning facilitates timely assessment of the patient’s condition, helping to prevent further complications and manage the situation effectively.

While inquiring about medication adherence and dietary habits can provide useful context for the rise in blood pressure, these questions do not address acute symptoms that could require immediate intervention. Understanding the presence of headache or confusion thus serves as a priority in the context of sudden hypertension.