Question

Sodium Case Study Doris is a 73-year-old African American female came into your office for her annual physical. You begin her physical by checking her weight. As she gets on the scale, she states "I think you're going to be happy, doc." She smiles as you read her weight to her "one hundred and sixty pounds". You see from her records that she was 170 pounds last year. Checking her height (5'3") you find that her BMI has gone from 30.1 to 28.3. You praise Doris for following the recommendations to lose weight made to her last visit. After asking her how she was able to lose the weight, she explains that she still eats all her favorites (Hamburger helper with extra cheese, potato chips, canned soup and cherry cola) but she watches her portion sizes. She explains that it is often hard for her to walk far due to her swollen feet, but she does get together with her friends for card games where she is served alcoholic beverages (usually 2 drinks) about three times a week. You take Doris' temperature and read out "97.8 degrees Fahrenheit". As you reach for the blood pressure cuff, she informs you that she is having more headaches than usual and sometimes chest pain with shortness of breath. You check her blood pressure and find it to be 163/95. "Does high blood pressure run in your family, Doris?" you ask. Doris answered, "My mother had high blood pressure, but she died of heart failure".

Doris is in which blood pressure category?
A)Elevated
B)Stage 1 hypertension
C)Stage 2 hypertension
D)Hypertensive crisis

Answer 1

Doris' blood pressure reading of 163/95 mm Hg categorizes her as having Stage 2 hypertension, exceeding the threshold for hypertension and indicating a need for medical management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Doris, a 73-year-old with a blood pressure reading of 163/95 mm Hg, falls into the Stage 2 hypertension category. According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines, hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher. Therefore, Doris' reading significantly exceeds these thresholds and indicates a chronic and persistent elevation of blood pressure that requires medical attention and possible lifestyle modifications or medications to manage her condition and minimize the risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems.