American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which medication is commonly used in a hypertensive emergency for IV treatment?

1. Nitroglycerin 5-1000 mcg/min

2. Atenolol 25-50 mg IV

3. Bisoprolol 5-10 mg IV

4. Enalapril 1.25-5 mg IV

The correct answer is: Nitroglycerin 5-1000 mcg/min

Nitroglycerin is commonly used in hypertensive emergencies for intravenous treatment due to its potent vasodilatory effects. When administered as a continuous IV infusion, it can quickly reduce blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscle and increasing venous capacitance. This helps to decrease systemic vascular resistance and promote improved cardiac output, making it particularly effective in conditions where immediate blood pressure reduction is required, such as acute heart failure or severe hypertension. Additionally, nitroglycerin's rapid onset and short half-life allow for precise titration to achieve the desired blood pressure target without the prolonged effects seen with some other antihypertensive agents. This makes it particularly suitable in emergency settings where blood pressure management must be handled swiftly and effectively.