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. Blurred vision may be a symptom of hypertension, but it is not specific to hypertensive emergencies.

B) Correct answer. Severe headache is a concerning symptom that could indicate a hypertensive emergency, such as malignant hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy.

C) This option is incorrect. Occasional dizziness is not specific to hypertensive emergencies, although it may be associated with uncontrolled hypertension.

D) This option is incorrect. Mild chest discomfort is not a typical symptom of a hypertensive emergency. However, any chest pain should be evaluated promptly as it may be indicative of other cardiac issues.

A) This option is incorrect. While measuring blood pressure can provide insight into the severity of hypertension-related complications, it is not the primary purpose of blood pressure measurement in hypertension diagnosis.

B) This option is incorrect. While hypertension is a significant risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure measurements are not primarily used to confirm the presence of those diseases.

C) This option is incorrect. Monitoring blood pressure is indeed important to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications and medication in managing hypertension. However, it is not the primary purpose of blood pressure measurement in the initial diagnosis of hypertension.

D) Correct answer. Blood pressure measurement is essential in diagnosing and classifying hypertension accurately. It helps healthcare professionals determine if a person's blood pressure is within the normal range or meets the criteria for hypertension diagnosis.