Final answer:
If a patient with an aortic dissection has a systolic blood pressure above 120 mm Hg despite taking a beta blocker, additional measures may be needed to lower their blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient is experiencing an aortic dissection and their systolic blood pressure is still above 120 mm Hg after being given a beta blocker, it means that the medication might not be effectively lowering their blood pressure. In a normal adult, a systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg is considered normal. However, in the case of an aortic dissection, it is generally recommended to have the blood pressure reduced to even lower levels. In such cases, additional medications or interventions may be necessary to achieve the desired blood pressure goals.