The nurse measures a patient's blood pressure as 144/88 mmHg. What intervention would be most appropriate for this patient?
1. Provide stress-reduction techniques.
2. Inform the physician so antihypertensive medication can be prescribed.
3. Offer the patient a glass of water.
4. Remeasure the blood pressure in a few minutes.
Correct Answer: 4
There is no evidence that this patient has had previously high blood pressure readings. The nurse should remeasure the blood pressure in a few minutes in the event the reading was because of physical activity or anxiety. Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, based on the average of three or more readings taken on separate occasions. The patient may not feel stressed or need anti-hypertensive medication. Offering a glass of water would have no effect on the blood pressure.
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