A client with malignant hypertension is at risk for a hypertensive crisis, including the cerebral vascular system often causing cerebral edema. the nurse would assess this client for which signs and symptoms?

The correct answer is "headache and confusion".

The human body has several mechanisms of action in order to protect critical organs from excess blood pressure and flow. When these mechanisms are not successful in protecting the capillaries of the brain, the patient could suffer from cerebral edema (swelling of the brain) and papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve). These conditions could cause severe headache, confusion, motor and sensory problems and visual disturbances.