When measuring the blood pressure (BP) of a client with vascular disease, the nurse obtains readings of greater than a 10-point difference between both arms. This is an indication of which condition?
A) Sign of a circulatory problem
B) Arterial occlusion in the arm with the lower pressure
C) Hemorrhage or shock
D) Orthostatic hypotension
B
Feedback:
The nurse should take BP and pulse initially in both arms, especially for a client with vascular disease or if the reading is not within normal range. A difference of 5 to 10 points commonly exists between arms. Readings of greater than a 10-point difference indicate arterial occlusion in the arm with the lower pressure. Readings of greater than a 10-point difference between both arms do not indicate a circulatory problem, hemorrhage, shock, or orthostatic hypotension. Any pressure that is much higher than normal for the person's age (hypertension) is a sign of a circulatory problem. A very low BP (hypotension) may indicate hemorrhage or shock. When a severe drop in BP occurs, the condition is known as orthostatic hypotension.
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