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The medical assistant is preparing an 18-year-old male of average size for a scheduled routine physical. Which of the following information should be brought to the attention of the physician?

A. Resting O2 saturation of 98%
B. Temperature 36.9 C (98.4 F)
C. Respirations 18/min
D. Pulse rate 70/min
E. Blood pressure 140/96 mm Hg

User Tute
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The abnormal vital sign that requires the physician's attention is the elevated blood pressure reading of 140/96 mm Hg, which may indicate hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vital sign that should be brought to the attention of the physician is E. Blood pressure 140/96 mm Hg. This value falls outside the normal range of blood pressure, which is between 90/60 mm Hg and 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure such as this can be indicative of hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it's important for the physician to be aware of this reading for further evaluation and potential treatment.

User John Hoerr
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