During his initial screening, the patient's blood pressure was noted to be elevated. Two months after the first assessment, he was noted to have a blood pressure of 150/92 and 166/96 at different times during the visit
It is now a month and a half later, and the nurse is concerned because the patient's initial blood pressure on this visit was 154/94 . She is preparing to take a second blood pressure, understanding that another reading in this range could lead to a diagnosis of:
a. hypotension
b. prehypertension
c. hypertension
d. orthostatic hypotension
C
Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mm Hg or greater, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mm Hg or greater, or taking antihypertensive medication (NHBPEP, 2003). One blood pressure recording revealing a high SBP or DBP does not qualify as a diagnosis of hypertension. However, if you assess a high reading (e.g., 150/90 mm Hg), encourage the patient to return for another checkup within 2 months. The diagnosis of hypertension in adults requires an average of two or more readings taken at each of two or more visits after an initial screening. Hypotension occurs when the systolic blood pressure falls to 90 mm Hg or below. Prehypertension is a designation for patients at high risk for developing hypertension. In these patients, early intervention through adoption of healthy lifestyles reduces the risk of or prevents hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension, also referred to as postural hypotension, occurs when a normotensive person develops symptoms (e.g., lightheadedness, dizziness) and low blood pressure when rising to an upright position.
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