Hypertensive emergencies in the geriatric population:

A) require a controlled decline in blood pressure that often cannot be achieved in the prehospital setting.
B) can cause a ruptured cerebral or aortic aneurysm and should be treated in the field with antihypertensives.
C) are relatively uncommon owing to increased elasticity of the blood vessels, which facilitates vasodilation.
D) are typically treated in the prehospital setting with beta blocker medications or a slow nitroglycerin infusion.

Answer: A) require a controlled decline in blood pressure that often cannot be achieved in the prehospital setting.