Question

When you measure your patient's blood pressure, you find a reading of 160/95 mm Hg. Does this patient have hypotension?

1) True
2) False

Answer 1

The blood pressure reading of 160/95 mm Hg indicates the patient has hypertension, not hypotension. This level is higher than the normal range of less than 120/80 mm Hg and should be managed to prevent health complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When measuring a patient's blood pressure, finding a reading of 160/95 mm Hg does not indicate hypotension. Instead, these values suggest the patient has hypertension. According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg, while a value of 130/80 mm Hg or above is considered hypertensive.

Therefore, a systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of 95 mm Hg far exceed the normal range and are characterized as hypertension. It is essential to manage high blood pressure to prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases.