A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

A. Weak peripheral pulses are not a defining manifestation of hypertensive crisis. In severe hypertension, vascular resistance is increased, but peripheral pulses are not typically described as weak; instead, the key issue is dangerously elevated blood pressure and end-organ damage symptoms. B. Pitting edema is not an acute manifestation of hypertensive crisis. Edema is more commonly associated with chronic conditions such as heart failure, renal disease, or fluid overload rather than the immediate presentation of a hypertensive emergency or urgency. C. Headache is correct. A hypertensive crisis (severely elevated blood pressure, often ≥180/120 mm Hg) can cause symptoms of end-organ involvement, including severe headache due to increased intracranial pressure and cerebral vascular changes. Other expected manifestations may include visual changes, chest pain, or neurologic deficits. D. Skin cool to touch is not a typical manifestation of hypertensive crisis. Cool, clammy skin is more commonly associated with shock states or decreased perfusion rather than severe hypertension, where perfusion pressure is elevated rather than reduced.