Question

The nurse is measuring blood pressure at a community health fair. When the nurse tells someone that his blood pressure is 160/96 mm Hg, he states, "My blood pressure is usually much lower." What is the best response to this statement?

1. "Get your blood pressure checked again within the next 48 to 72 hours"
2. "Check your blood pressure again in a few months."
3. "Make an appointment to see your health care provider next week"
4. "See your health care provider immediately."

Answer 1

An individual with a blood pressure reading of 160/96 mm Hg should be advised to 'Make an appointment to see your health care provider next week' to assess for possible hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the nurse informs an individual at a community health fair that his blood pressure is 160/96 mm Hg and he states his pressure is usually lower, the best response would be: "Make an appointment to see your health care provider next week." This recommendation is appropriate since a single elevated measurement does not necessarily indicate chronic hypertension, but it is significantly higher than the normal range of less than 120/80 mm Hg according to the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines. An early medical consultation can act as a preventive measure to assess if there's a consistent pattern of high blood pressure or if the reading was an anomaly due to factors like stress, exercise, or 'white coat syndrome.'