Hypertensive Emergency

BP >180/120 + end-organ damage

First 30 seconds

  1. 1Reduce MAP by ≤25% in first hour
  2. 2IV antihypertensive: labetalol 20 mg IV, GTN infusion, sodium nitroprusside
  3. 3Identify end-organ damage

Severe HTN with acute end-organ damage (encephalopathy, ACS, AKI, dissection).

A

Airway

  • Patent? Talking? Stridor?
  • Suction, jaw-thrust, adjuncts, definitive airway if needed
B

Breathing

  • RR, SpO₂, auscultate, percuss
  • O₂ to target sats, NIV / intubate as required
C

Circulation

  • HR, BP, cap refill, JVP
  • 2× large-bore IV, bloods, monitor, ECG
D

Disability

  • AVPU/GCS, pupils, glucose, temp
E

Exposure

  • Full exposure, skin, rash, bleeding, lines, infection source
View flowchart algorithm
WardRound

WardRound

Clinical Decisions in Seconds