Question

The 6-year-old male client has his blood pressure (BP) checked at a health fair. The BP is 168/98. Which action should the nurse implement first?

a. Recommend that the client have his BP checked in one month.
b. Instruct the client to see his HCP as soon as possible.
c. Discuss the importance of eating a low-salt, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
d. Explain that this BP is within the normal range for an elderly person.

Answer 1

The nurse should instruct the client to see his healthcare provider as soon as possible. A blood pressure reading of 168/98 in a 6-year-old is significantly higher than normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should implement action (b) Instruct the client to see his HCP as soon as possible. A blood pressure reading of 168/98 in a 6-year-old is significantly higher than normal. Normal blood pressure for children varies with age and gender, but generally, it should be lower than what is measured.

High blood pressure in children can be caused by various factors such as underlying health conditions, medications, or lifestyle habits. It is important to have the client see his healthcare provider as soon as possible to determine the cause of the high blood pressure and start appropriate treatment if necessary. The healthcare provider will be able to provide further guidance and recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of the client's health.