Brian Schmidt is a 58-year-old lawyer with a history of hypertension. His blood pressure has been under fairly good control with prescription medication. His secretary notices that he had a period of confusion and difficulty speaking at a meeting. She advises him to see his doctor. Brian ignores these warning signs and does not see his physician. Eight months later, Brian's son finds him lying on the floor of his bathroom. Brian most likely has ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Brian's history of hypertension and the symptoms of confusion and difficulty speaking suggest that he may have suffered a stroke. The fact that he ignored warning signs makes it more likely that the stroke went untreated and resulted in his collapse months later. Heart failure and angina are possible complications of hypertension, but the symptoms described are not typically associated with those conditions. An acutely bleeding ulcer is also possible, but less likely given the history of hypertension and neurological symptoms.

Brian Schmidt Is a 58-Year-Old Lawyer with a History of Hypertension