What is the appropriate blood pressure reading that signifies a hypertensive emergency in adolescents?

A hypertensive emergency is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure that poses an immediate risk of organ damage. In adolescents, the definition aligns closely with that established for adults, which typically identifies a systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or greater or a diastolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or greater as indicative of a hypertensive emergency.

The blood pressure reading of 210/140 mmHg clearly falls into this category, as both the systolic and diastolic measurements are significantly above the critical thresholds, reflecting a situation that necessitates immediate medical intervention to prevent acute complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, or renal failure.

In comparison, the other blood pressure readings listed – 120/80 mmHg, 140/90 mmHg, and 160/100 mmHg – fall below the criteria established for a hypertensive emergency. While these may indicate elevated blood pressure or possible hypertension, they do not approach the extreme hypertension levels that would signify an urgent medical condition requiring immediate care. Therefore, the reading of 210/140 mmHg is the only one that meets the definition of a hypertensive emergency in adolescents.