Question

The nurse is caring for a 45-year-old client who is in the clinic for an annual checkup. The client's blood pressure reading is 139/82 mmHg. Which statement by the nurse indicates the nurse's correct understanding of this client's blood pressure?

1) "The client's blood pressure is within the normal range for an adult."
2) "This client is experiencing pre-hypertension and will need close monitoring."
3) "The client is hypertensive and will be placed on blood pressure medications."
4) D. "This client's blood pressure reading is low."

Answer 1

The client's blood pressure of 139/82 mmHg would be considered as pre-hypertension according to the guidelines which suggest close monitoring is needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a blood pressure reading of 139/82 mmHg, we refer to clinical guidelines for categorization. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines identify normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg. A systolic blood pressure between 120-129 and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg indicates elevated blood pressure, also referred to as pre-hypertension. When the systolic pressure reaches or exceeds 130 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure reaches or exceeds 80 mm Hg, it falls into the category of hypertension. Therefore, the statement "This client is experiencing pre-hypertension and will need close monitoring." is the correct understanding of this client's blood pressure. Chronic and persistent measurements at or above 140/90 mm Hg are defined as clinical hypertension.