A group of student nurses are practicing taking blood pressure. A 56-year-old male student has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg
Upon hearing the reading, he exclaims, "My pressure has never been this high. Do you think my doctor will prescribe medication to reduce it?" Which of the following responses by the nursing instructor would be best?
A) "Yes. Hypertension is prevalent among men; it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination."
B) "We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because your age places you at high risk for hypertension."
C) "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. You will need to have your blood pressure reassessed several times before a diagnosis can be made."
D) "You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested."
Ans: C
Feedback:
Hypertension is confirmed by two or more readings with systolic pressure of at least 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of at least 90 mm Hg. An age of 56 does not constitute a risk factor in and of itself. The nurse should not tell the student that there is no need to worry.
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