Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Which of these is NOT a symptom associated with hypertensive encephalopathy?

1. Stroke

2. Headache

3. Hemoptysis

4. Seizures

The correct answer is: Hemoptysis

Hypertensive encephalopathy is a condition that results from severe hypertension causing changes in the brain, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. The symptoms commonly associated with this condition include headache, visual disturbances, seizures, and altered mental status, as the high blood pressure can lead to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. The correct answer indicates that hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is not associated with hypertensive encephalopathy. While patients with hypertensive crises may experience cardiovascular or renal issues, hemoptysis is typically related to conditions involving the lungs or airways, such as pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, or other respiratory conditions, rather than neurological changes caused by hypertension. Therefore, recognizing that hemoptysis does not directly correlate with the mechanisms and symptoms of hypertensive encephalopathy underlines the understanding of the condition’s typical clinical presentation.