Final Answer
The blood pressure reading within the expected reference range for an adolescent patient is 98/78 mm Hg. Thus the correct option is 4.
Explanation
Blood pressure readings are represented by two numbers: systolic (the higher number) and diastolic (the lower number). For adolescents, normal blood pressure falls within a certain range. The first option, 60/40 mm Hg, is lower than the expected range and could indicate hypotension.
The second option, 78/48 mm Hg, though the systolic reading is close to the range, the diastolic is lower. The third option, 86/60 mm Hg, is closer but slightly higher in the systolic reading. The fourth option, 98/78 mm Hg, falls within the generally accepted range for adolescents, with both systolic and diastolic readings aligning closely with the expected values. This range signifies a healthy blood pressure level for an adolescent.
It's crucial for an EKG technician to recognize normal ranges to identify abnormalities or potential health concerns. While individual variations occur, a blood pressure of 98/78 mm Hg in an adolescent aligns more closely with the anticipated range, indicating a healthy cardiovascular state without any evident concerns of hypertension or hypotension.
Regular monitoring and understanding of normal ranges assist in providing appropriate medical care and detecting deviations that might require further attention or intervention.
Thus the correct option is 4.