Question

A 56-year-old male client at a screening event has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg. Upon hearing the reading, the client states, "My pressure has never been this high. Do you think my doctor will prescribe medication to reduce it?" What is the nurse's best response?

a. "Yes. Hypertension is prevalent among men; it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination."
b. "We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because your age places you at high risk for hypertension."
c. "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. You will need to have your blood pressure reassessed several times before a diagnosis can be made."
d. "You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested."

Answer 1

Option A. The correct response is that a single elevated reading does not confirm hypertension, and multiple reassessments are required for diagnosis. This careful approach is crucial due to hypertension's potential serious health consequences and its nature as a 'silent disorder.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to the client who has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg is: "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. You will need to have your blood pressure reassessed several times before a diagnosis can be made." This is important because hypertension is typically a silent disorder, and a single reading is not sufficient for diagnosis. Having multiple readings over time helps to rule out variables like stress, hydration, or even "white coat disease" where blood pressure rises due to the stress of a medical examination.

High blood pressure is a significant health issue, leading to risks such as heart attack, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and more. Thus, it's critical to obtain an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or both. Repeated measurements can provide valuable diagnostic data to effectively manage and treat hypertension.