Question

The nurse is completing a cardiac assessment on a client. The patient has a blood pressure (BP) reading of 126/80. What would the nurse would identify this blood pressure reading as?

a. Prehypertension
b. Normal
c. Stage 1 hypertension
d. Stage 2 hypertension

Answer 1

A blood pressure reading of 126/80 mm Hg is classified as prehypertension, which is a state just below the threshold for hypertension, indicating an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would identify a blood pressure (BP) reading of 126/80 mm Hg as a) prehypertension. According to the guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Prehypertension is defined as a systolic pressure between 120-129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg. Hypertension should be treated when it is 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Therefore, this patient's BP falls into the category of prehypertension, which is a state where one is at risk for developing hypertension if no lifestyle changes or interventions are made.